Tucson Prostitution Case: Woman Admits Guilt in Two Felony Charges

A woman has pleaded guilty to two felonies related to a long-running investigation of illicit massage parlors in Tucson. Clarissa Lopez changed her plea during a status conference at Pima County Superior Court on May 17.

Lopez admitted guilt to one count of keeping a house of prostitution and one count of receiving the earnings of a prostitute, both classified as class 5 felonies. Initially, she faced eight felony charges, which included illegal control of an enterprise, pandering, and money laundering. Her legal issues date back to February 2016, following a series of police raids on multiple establishments suspected of being involved in prostitution.

As a first-time offender, Lopez could receive a maximum sentence of two years in prison for each offense. Sentencing is scheduled for June 19.

Her boyfriend, Ulises Ruiz, is also implicated in the investigation and is set to face trial next year. He is charged with six felonies, similar to those faced by Lopez. During a recent court appearance, Pima County Superior Court Judge Howard Fell established a trial date of January 9, 2018, estimating that the trial will last approximately three days.

Ruiz’s defense attorney, Sean Bruner, argued in a May 8 settlement conference that his client has not committed any offenses that warrant the charges. He claimed that Ruiz’s only connection to the massage parlor was his occasional role in answering phone calls.

The investigation into the massage parlor operation has had significant repercussions, leading to the termination of eight police department employees found to have frequented or been aware of the illegal activities. Additionally, officials identified numerous other public service members, including government employees and military personnel, as customers of the illicit business.