Tucson Brothel Mastermind Escapes Jail: Sentenced to Probation in Prostitution Scandal

A Tucson woman involved in operating several illegal massage parlors has been sentenced to two years of probation. Clarissa Lopez, 36, pleaded guilty in May to felony charges related to keeping a house of prostitution and receiving earnings from prostitution.

The charges stem from an extensive investigation by the Tucson Police Department, which began in 2016. Lopez’s business, known as “By Spanish,” was under scrutiny following reports of illicit activities, including the engagement of law enforcement personnel and government employees as clients.

During her interactions with an undercover officer, Lopez revealed the operational details, including a requirement for employees to pay a $40 fee for each paid sexual service. Following the probe, police executed raids in January 2015 on multiple premises linked to “By Spanish,” which included a pet store and hair salon.

Authorities seized an array of evidence during the raids, including cash, vehicles, and personal items, such as lingerie and a leather paddle. Notably, contact lists on confiscated cell phones revealed connections to Tucson Police Department employees and several other local government workers.

As a direct consequence of the investigation, eight officers were dismissed for their links to Lopez’s operations, although no clients faced charges. Judge Howard Fell of the Pima County Superior Court also mandated Lopez to complete 600 hours of community service.

Prosecutor Dawn Aspacher argued for a harsher sentence, highlighting Lopez’s role in managing multiple properties and employing over a dozen women in the illicit business. Lopez’s attorney, Cornelia Honchar, countered that all women involved were consenting adults who benefited from the arrangements.

Honchar stated that Lopez had been a law-abiding citizen for the past two and a half years, suggesting that her past involvement was a lesson learned. After expressing regret for her actions, Lopez addressed the judge in hopes of a lenient sentence.

Outside the courtroom, Honchar commented on the need for equality in prosecution, stating that if prostitution is deemed illegal, then all participants, including male clients, should face similar legal repercussions. Meanwhile, Lopez’s boyfriend, Ulises Ruiz, faces separate charges related to the operation, with a trial set for January.