Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office Crime Reduction Team Search Warrant At Illicit Massage Parlor (Photo) - 04/30/26
April 30th, 2026
RE: Cowlitz County Sherriff’s Office Crime Reduction Team Search Warrant
On April 29th, 2026 the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office Crime Reduction Team (CRT) served a search warrant at Ocean Beach Spa located at 4503 Ocean Beach Hwy, Suite 105 in Longview after a multi-year investigation. In June 2023, CRT first began investigating Ocean Beach Spa after receiving anonymous and named reporting persons claiming that the spa was operating as a location to solicit prostitution under the disguise of a “massage” parlor. Over the next two years, CRT’s investigation provided indicators that the business was an Illicit Massage Parlor. CRT was provided multiple reviews about Ocean Beach Spa on specific websites detailing how customer encounters went and what sexual services were received. Additionally, CRT conducted an open-source search of the listed phone number for the business, and it was associated with multiple escort websites soliciting sex for money.
From January to March 2026, CRT continued to observe that only male customers were entering the business and staying for a prolong period of time and all female customers who were observed only stayed momentarily before leaving and never returning. Throughout the investigation, CRT observed an unknown Asian female approximately 40-50 years of age, who was later identified as Meirong Zou, routinely operating the business. Zou was the only person observed opening and closing the business each day. Through continued investigations, CRT observed Ocean Beach Spa was also advertising two Asian females on escort websites soliciting sex. Based on these observations, it was likely that Ocean Beach Spa was soliciting two females for prostitution as an additional female was noticed onscene at the business on several occasions along with Zou.
On 04/01/2026 CRT conducted an undercover operation at Ocean Beach Spa. The undercover detective sent a text message to the number listed on the entry way door requesting a time to schedule an appointment. At one point in the conversation the detective asked how much “bare back” cost. Bare back is a term used in the illicit massage business to reference sex without a condom. The person replied, “that depends on how much money you are willing to bring yourself.” Based on the information it was apparent the person knew what was being asked as they didn’t question what bare back meant. Once the undercover detective arrived for the appointment, Zou exited from one of the rooms in pink, silk, lingerie. This was alarming as lingerie is not professional attire worn during a massage. Zou escorted the undercover detective to a massage room, however obtained no personal or medical information that Washington state requires for all massage practitioners and businesses. CRT confirmed Zou was the one who communicated via text message and knew what bare back services meant because she was in control of the cellphone, and she was the only one inside the business at the time. CRT never observed another female leave or arrive before the operation occurred. During the massage, Zou attempted to pull down the detective’s underwear partially exposing their buttocks however, Zou was told “No” by the undercover detective. At the conclusion of the massage, the undercover detective communicated with Zou and asked; “Do you take payment for sex?” Zou nodded yes and agreed to “next time.” Based on all the information, it was confirmed Zou was soliciting herself for sex and used Ocean Beach Spa as a disguise for promoting prostitution.
On April 29th, CRT scheduled a 3pm appointment with the same number used in the previous undercover operation. The appointment was confirmed. Upon service of the authorized search warrant, Zou was greeting inside the business by Sheriff’s Office personnel instead of her 3pm customer. She was wearing small black lingerie upon contact. It was obvious the lack of clothing Zou was wearing was not appropriate for a licensed massage business. When detaining Zou, she asked for her cellphone. It was confirmed the cellphone Zou stated was hers was the cellphone CRT had communicated with her on and was listed on the business entry way. Zou was the only person found inside during the warrant service confirming she had control and knowledge of the business operations. While searching the business, the Sheriff’s Office found items such as condoms and lubricants. Inside the room where Zou exited from, there was lingerie hanging on the walls, lubrication (KY jelly), condoms and $593 cash. Zou’s vehicle and nearby apartment were also covered in the search warrant. In the apartment additional unboxed condoms were located as well as multiple beds. Lastly, inside Zou’s vehicle were condoms, lubricants and $3700 cash.
Based on the information, Meirong Zou was placed under arrest, interviewed and transported to the Cowlitz County jail where she was booked for RCW 9A.88.030 Prostitution and RCW 9A.88.080 Promoting Prostitution in the 2nd Degree.
Respectfully
Chief Criminal Deputy Jordan Spencer