FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Raymond Worrall
PHONE: (201) 795-6400 Ext. 6737
EMAIL: rworrall@hcpo.org
TWITTER: @HCPOProsecutor
WEB: www.hcpo.org
DATE: Thursday, October 3, 2018
AUTHORITIES CLOSE NEWARK AVENUE MASSAGE PARLOR, OWNER ARRESTED ON PROSTITUTION CHARGES
Hudson County Prosecutor Esther Suarez released the following information:
On Tuesday, October 2, 2018, members of the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office arrested Elizabeth K. Golden for promoting and engaging in prostitution in a massage parlor identified as Gold Sakura Spa. The massage parlor is located on the second floor of 588 Newark Avenue in Jersey City, directly across the street from the Hudson County courthouse complex. It is currently closed due to violations and citations administered by Jersey City authorities.
Golden, age 50, of Jersey City, was the only occupant of the facility at the time of her arrest. She has been charged on a Complaint-Summons with Prostitution in violation of N.J.S. 2C:34-1b(8), a fourth-degree crime and Promoting Prostitution in violation of N.J.S. 2C:34-1b(2), a third-degree crime.
Following her arrest, Golden was processed and released. She is scheduled to make her first appearance on these charges in Central Judicial Processing Court on October 23, 2018. The CJP Court is located on the ground floor of the Hudson County Administration Building at 595 Newark Avenue in Jersey City.
During the course of an undercover operation, an officer negotiated with Golden to exchange money for a sexual act. Once the negotiation was complete, Golden was taken into custody and charged with engaging in prostitution.
A search of the location, pursuant to a court-authorized warrant revealed numerous items indicative of prostitution. Items recovered included client ledgers, internet website postings and financial records. Officers also recovered approximately $1,200 in U.S. currency during the search.
The Jersey City Police Department – Alcoholic Beverage Control also responded during the investigation and issued violations for opened containers of alcohol being present in the business. The Jersey City Health Department also responded and issued multiple health code violations.
It was also determined during the course of the investigation that Golden is the owner of the Spa and that she utilized this location as both her place of business and her residence. No additional employees were identified at the time of her arrest.
Prosecutor Suarez credited members of the Hudson County Prosecutor’s Office Public Integrity – Special Investigations Unit and the Narcotics Task Force with the investigation and arrest with assistance from the Jersey City Police Department – Alcoholic Beverage Control and the Jersey City Department of Health and Human Services.
The above charges are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. R.P.C. 3.6(b)(6).