Tucson Brothel Boss Escapes Jail Time, Gets Probation in Prostitution Scandal

A Tucson woman who ran a series of illicit massage parlors was sentenced to two years of probation on Monday.

Clarissa Lopez pleaded guilty in May to charges of keeping a house of prostitution and receiving the earnings of a prostitute. These charges stemmed from a long investigation by Tucson Police Department into her business, “By Spanish.”

In early 2016, Lopez faced eight felony charges after authorities discovered the operation. An undercover officer revealed Lopez required employees to pay a $40 cut per sexual service performed.

Police raided multiple locations linked to “By Spanish,” including a pet store and a hair salon. These raids took place in January 2015, following a three-year investigation.

Evidence seized included two vehicles, a house, cash, and various items like a leather paddle and women’s panties. Contact lists found on seized cell phones included numbers of TPD employees, Air Force personnel, firefighters, and other local government workers.

Eight TPD employees lost their jobs due to their involvement or knowledge of the brothel, although no customers faced charges. Lopez received an additional order to serve 600 hours of community service.

Pima County prosecutor Dawn Aspacher sought prison time for Lopez, highlighting her acquisition of multiple properties for the business and her employment of over 12 women, some of whom started similar operations.

Lopez’s attorney, Cornelia Honchar, argued for one-year probation. She emphasized that no one was coerced into working and compared the operation to consenting adults meeting at a bar. She also noted Lopez’s law-abiding behavior in the past 2½ years.

“I do regret what happened and I’ve learned my lesson the hard way,” Lopez said to Judge Howard Fell.

Honchar stated outside the courtroom that the sentence was fair. She also argued that men should face similar prosecution if prostitution is to be eradicated.

Lopez’s boyfriend, Ulises Ruiz, attending the sentencing, faces his own trial in January for alleged co-operation of “By Spanish.” His charges include illegal control of an enterprise, money laundering, and more.

Contact reporter Caitlin Schmidt at cschmidt@tucson.com or 573-4191.