Tucson Prostitution Investigation: No Plea Deal Yet!

A Tucson couple, Clarissa Lopez and Ulises Ruiz, who have been accused of running a prostitution ring known as “By Spanish,” faced a setback in their legal proceedings during a recent court conference. The couple has been charged with multiple felonies, having allegedly operated the ring for over four years until it was dismantled during a raid in January 2015.

Both Lopez and Ruiz were indicted on six felony charges, which include illegal control of an enterprise, keeping a house of prostitution, receiving the earnings from prostitution, and money laundering. Additional charges against Lopez include pandering, as she is accused of recruiting women into prostitution, according to court documents.

During the settlement conference held in Pima County Superior Court, defense attorneys sought a plea deal that would allow their clients to plead guilty to a single undesignated offense instead of facing the multiple charges. This request came as prosecutors expressed readiness to proceed to trial. An undesignated offense can later be classified as a misdemeanor under Arizona law, which is a significant consideration given the couple’s current felony charges.

Pima County Prosecutor Bruce Chalk dismissed the idea of an undesignated offense plea. He is determined to take the case to trial, maintaining that the evidence against Lopez and Ruiz is substantial. In response, Lopez’s attorney criticized the Tucson Police Department’s investigation, labeling it “sloppy” and suggesting it was a cover-up related to police involvement.

During the hearing, concern was raised about the lack of charges against identified customers who paid for sex, given that Arizona law treats the payment for sex as a misdemeanor for the buyer. Judge Howard Fell questioned the appropriateness of allowing the couple to plead down to lesser charges. In defense, Lopez’s attorney argued for their right to seek a fresh start.

Ruiz’s public defender contended that there is no material evidence to support the charges against him, emphasizing his lack of a criminal background. However, he did have a prior disorderly conduct conviction linked to an incident involving a neighbor who documented the alleged brothel activities. Despite this, the defense claims Ruiz’s involvement with “By Spanish” was minimal.

Chalk indicated that financial investigations have revealed significant expenditures from the couple, totaling over $200,000, raising questions about their income sources during the operation period of the prostitution ring. Purchases included a home, two vehicles, and two businesses—a pet store and a salon.

Lopez and Ruiz, present in the courtroom but silent, have not disclosed whether they are prepared to change their plea. As the legal process continues, they are set to return for a status conference on May 17.