City Denies Massage Parlor License, Fearing a Brothel

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Minneapolis officials have denied a business license to a massage parlor due to fears that it's a brothel.

A Hennepin County judge dismissed prostitution charges against Kim Yi's massage parlor this month, citing the undercover officer's "outrageous" conduct during a prostitution sting. The judge found the officer engaged in sexual conduct with an employee beyond what was necessary for the investigation.

The Minneapolis City Council voted Friday to deny its license. Attorney Randall Tigue says his client may appeal the decision. Tigue says the dropped charges make that more likely.

The court also found that Kim Yi's employees weren't licensed massage therapists and that the business had a cat to manage a rat problem.