Lodi masseuse arrested for alleged assault
By Layla Bohm
News-Sentinel Staff Writer
Updated: Saturday, May 23, 2009 7:27 AM PDT



A Lodi massage employee was arrested Thursday after she allegedly threw rocks at a U.S. Army veteran who refused her sexual advances, police said.

Nga Thi KhuuNga Thi Khuu, 42, of Sacramento, is a masseuse and manager of Royal Day Spa, one of several such businesses that have fallen under police scrutiny in recent years. The 220 W. Lodi Ave. business recently had to close for 30 days after violating several Lodi city codes, including working without city-issued permits.

In Thursday's incident, a 32-year-old Oregon man was visiting family in the Lodi area and wasn't familiar with Royal Day Spa's history, Lodi Police Cpl. Dale Eubanks said in a press release.

The man, who police did not identify, went to the business for a massage. He said he had received a gunshot wound in the back while serving in Iraq, and that he frequently needs Shiatsu massage — a kind of pressure massage using the fingers and palms — to ease the pain, Eubanks said.

Instead, Khuu allegedly offered him a sexual service. He declined and tried to leave when the woman "grew relentless," Eubanks said.

Then Khuu began demanding $50 from him, the lowest amount listed on a sign inside the business.

The man left the business.

Khuu allegedly threw a rock, leaving a noticeable dent in the man's vehicle, Eubanks said. A second rock hit the man in the chest.

The man called police, demanding that Khuu be arrested, Eubanks said. The victim declined medical attention.

Police arrested Khuu and initially placed an immigration hold on her, Eubanks said.

By Friday morning she had been released from custody, Capt. Gary Benincasa said. That meant immigration officials apparently had no reason to detain Khuu.

She is expected to appear in court next month, possibly to face charges of battery, vandalism and solicitation of prostitution.

The business on May 1 completed a 30-day closure, which was spread out over three months, said Deputy City Attorney Janice Magdich.

Contact reporter Layla Bohm at layla@lodinews.com.

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