Tucson Prostitution Investigation Stalls as Plea Deal Remains Elusive

A Tucson couple accused of running a prostitution ring for over four years failed to reach a plea deal in court on Monday.

Clarissa Lopez and Ulises Ruiz face several felony charges stemming from their involvement in the “By Spanish” prostitution ring, which operated in various locations in Tucson before being dismantled in a January 2015 raid.

Indicted on six felony counts each, the charges against Lopez and Ruiz include illegal control of an enterprise, maintaining a house of prostitution, receiving earnings from prostitution, and money laundering.

Additionally, Lopez is charged with two counts of pandering for allegedly recruiting women into prostitution, as per court documents.

During the settlement conference at Pima County Superior Court, defense attorneys for Lopez and Ruiz proposed that the two plead guilty to a single, undesignated offense each. This type of offense, under Arizona law, is initially treated as a felony but can later be reclassified as a misdemeanor by the court.

Pima County Prosecutor Bruce Chalk refused the offer, stating readiness to move forward with a trial.

Lopez’s attorney, Cornelia Honchar, criticized the Tucson Police Department’s investigation as “sloppy” and claimed it was a defensive move once law enforcement officers were implicated. She also emphasized that none of the identified male customers had been charged and called the charges against Lopez excessive, noting that buying sex is considered a misdemeanor for men.

Judge Howard Fell questioned why the defendants should be allowed to plead to vague offenses. Honchar responded that Lopez and Ruiz deserve a fresh start.

Assistant Public Defender Sean Bruner, representing Ruiz, argued there was no evidence tying his client to the major charges and claimed the county Attorney’s Office was trying to implicate Ruiz merely because of his relationship with Lopez. Bruner pointed out that Ruiz had no financial records linked to money laundering.

However, Chalk countered that from 2011 to 2015, while “By Spanish” was in operation, Ruiz and Lopez had no documented income sources. Yet, they bought a home, two vehicles, and two businesses—investments totaling over $200,000, much of which could be directly associated with Ruiz, according to the county Attorney’s Office.

Lopez and Ruiz stayed silent during the proceedings. Whether they’re willing to plead to a felony remains unclear.

The couple are scheduled to return to court on May 17 for a status conference, where they may submit a change of plea if prepared.

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