Operation Unhappy Ending shuts down brothels

(VERO BEACH/BOYNTON BEACH) Four massage parlors are shut down, after detectives find they are nothing more than brothels.

After a 6 month-long multi-agency investigation, Indian River County Sheriff's Office shut down the massge parlor at 1233 US 1, south of Oslo road.  At Harmony Dreams at 9050 US 1, another massage shop in Wabasso just south of 80th street on US 1.

They found the owner, or admitted organizer of all the brothels, Mirta Okonski, in Boynton Beach, at yet another massage place on 2016 S. Federal Highway.

Police also linked Mirta Okonski to a fourth brothel in a former hotel-turned massage parlor in Daytona Beach Shores.

Investigators say Okonski has been at the pimp business for 15 years and never paid taxes on any earnings.

So far, detectives arrested 9 prostitutes and are looking with active warrants for 4 more.  Police say all these women did not pay taxes and many lived in beachfront mansions in Palm Beach and Broward Counties, charging clients up to $300 per "massage" session.

Police say the long list of local clients will be released, and the clients will be charged as well as the investigation continues.

 The official report:

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE

Multi-Agency Criminal Enforcement Unit

Operation: Unhappy Ending

Case Agents: Detective Mike Dilks, Detective Keith Harmon

Original Complaint and Investigative Actions

April/May 2008 Original Complaint: Local business owners in the Tropical Plaza, located in the 1200 block of South US 1, noticed a significant increase in "traffic" for a new massage business, named Amarige, in the same plaza. The business owners observed only males loitering in the area. The males would then enter other businesses/shops without intentions to purchase items. It appeared that the males were waiting until the massage business opened their doors for another client.

June/July 2008: Based on the citizen complaints, the MACE Unit detectives conducted surveillance of the described massage business. Detectives were able to confirm the provided information on several males loitering and entering Amarige.

July 2008: The MACE Unit detectives conducted investigatory stops on several males who were observed entering and leaving Amarige. Following the investigatory stops, all the males admitted to sex acts within Amarige.

August 2008 - September 2008: Based on the information provided by the males, the detectives utilized unique investigative techniques to further the investigation.

October 2008: During the course of the investigation, it was discovered that the business license for Amarige was in the name of Mirta Okonski. Additional properties were identified under her name in Boynton Beach (2016 S. Federal Highway #E407) and Daytona Beach Shores (3230 S. Atlantic Avenue).

Based on the discovery of the other addresses, the MACE Unit detectives conducted surveillance at each location.

On October 29, 2008, the MACE Unit detectives traveled to Daytona Beach Shores Police Department and met with their detectives and briefed them on the current investigation. Daytona Beach Shores PD agreed to assist our agency by conducting surveillance.

On October 30, 2008, the MACE Unit detectives traveled to Boynton Beach to conduct surveillance. While conducting surveillance, detectives observed a male enter 2016 S. Federal Highway #E407. They then observed the male leave and subsequently conducted an investigatory stop. The male admitted to receiving a sex act in exchange for money and identified the female who provided the sex act as Mirta Okonski.

The MACE detectives continued to identify the females that worked at each of the locations. Seven females were identified, along with Mirta Okonski.

November 2008: On November 12, 2008, MACE Unit detectives traveled to Daytona Beach Shores Police Department to follow up on the activities occurring within their jurisdiction. MACE Unit detectives, along with Daytona Beach Shores detectives conducted surveillance at 3230 S. Atlantic Ave. A male was observed entering unit #3 and then leaving within 30 minutes. An investigatory stop was conducted and the male admitted to sex acts in exchange for money. The male identified the female as Rita McCahera.

December 2008: On December 17, 2008, one of the identified females (workers) was interviewed by MACE detectives. She detailed the organization for investigators, including locations where the actions take place, the exchange of money, and who makes the appointments for the female workers.

On December 17, 2008, the MACE Unit detectives, along with members of the Criminal Investigative Division of the Indian River County Sheriff's Office, the Daytona Beach Shores PD, and the Boynton Beach PD, executed three search warrants in three counties (Indian River, Volusia, and Palm Beach). Seven members of the organization were arrested, including the leader, Mirta Okonski. In addition, six vehicles were seized and approximately $30,000 in bank account(s) belonging to Okonski was frozen. Additional arrests and seizures are expected.

            ARRESTED:                                                     PENDING ARRESTS:

Mirta Okonski , DOB: 9/24/46                     Maria Cardona, DOB: 11/20/61

Jennifer Alzate, DOB: 10/19/65                  Claudia Bernal Corredor, DOB: 11/2/75

Pamela Arnold, DOB: 12/22/48                  Elida Noguera, DOB: 6/29/56

Joaquin Desousa, DOB: 3/15/58                Loreley Villella, DOB: 10/6/56

Elsy Flores, DOB: 4/6/63

Rita McCahera, DOB: 2/2/68

Marisol Romero, DOB: 8/28/65

INDIAN RIVER COUNTY SHERIFF's OFFICE

OPERATION: UNHAPPY ENDING

Outstanding Warrants

  Elida Noguera                          Loreley Villella

  DOB: 6/29/56                            DOB: 10/6/56

   Maria Cardona                           Claudia Bernal

   DOB: 11/20/61                           DOB: 11/2/75