Authorities Investigate Alleged Criminal Activity at University Heights Massage Business

City and state prepare legal action over years of concerns about the property

Mar. 28, 2026 at 8:03pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The city of San Diego and the state of California are preparing potential legal action against a massage business located in the University Heights neighborhood. Authorities have been investigating the property since at least 2015, with allegations of more than 135 online ads, blog posts, and reviews referencing sex acts at the location between May 2011 and July 2025.

Why it matters

The length of the investigation and the multiple documented concerns suggest a complex legal process may unfold, as the city and state appear determined to address the alleged issues at the property.

The details

According to documents obtained by News 8, investigators found evidence of alleged prostitution activity and other criminal behavior linked to the massage business. In 2018, a Deputy City Attorney sent a letter to the business owner informing them of the alleged prostitution and requesting they address the issue. A subsequent inspection in 2019 allegedly uncovered evidence of people living on the premises, including personal belongings, and unpermitted modifications to the building's electrical, plumbing, and structure.

  • Authorities have been investigating the business since at least 2015.
  • In 2018, a Deputy City Attorney sent a letter to the business owner about alleged prostitution activity.
  • An inspection in 2019 allegedly found evidence of residential occupancy and unpermitted building modifications.

The players

City of San Diego

The local government authority preparing potential legal action against the massage business.

State of California

The state government authority also preparing potential legal action against the massage business.

Deputy City Attorney

The city official who sent a letter to the business owner in 2018 about alleged prostitution activity.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

It is possible the city and state will file a lawsuit against the business owner. A judge could then issue orders requiring the business to cease the alleged illegal activities or even close the business. It is also possible the owner could attempt to contest the allegations in court. Further investigation by law enforcement is also a potential next step.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex legal process that can unfold when authorities allege long-running criminal activity at a business, and the challenges in addressing such issues through the justice system.