New owners have taken over the location of a reputed brothel that was shut down in April following a raid.

The city, including the Roanoke Rapids Planning and Development Department and the police department, will be keeping an eye on the establishment for illicit activity.

In a letter to Sun Y. Williams of Pawtucket, Rhode Island, city Planning and Development Director Kelly Lasky says the business use permit application filed on September 9 was approved 17 days later.

The October 3 letter said the permit was approved under the business name Lily Spa at 1010 Julian Allsbrook Highway and can only operate within its business use application. The therapeutic massage services stated in the application include Swedish massage, acupressure, deep tissue, reflexology, prenatal massage, hot stone massage, medical massage, medication massage, hydro-kinetic treatment, body rub and sport massage.

The business hours are 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. seven days a week and any changes to the permit will require written authorization from the planning department, the letter states.

The property is not to be used as a residence and the permit does not authorize or imply the use of the business as an adult establishment or sexually oriented business.

Lasky said the business has no ties to the former owner and the lease contains a clause which states it will be revoked if illegal activity occurs at the establishment.

“We're keeping a watchful eye out,” Captain Andy Jackson said this afternoon.

Asked if there has been any suspicious activity at the business since it has reopened, Jackson said, “Not enough to say yes. We have contacted the owner personally and visited with the person who runs the place.”

Both assured the police department there would not be illegal activity occurring at the business as police alleged occurred in April when Soung-Auk Kim, 51, was charged with soliciting for prostitution while Tong Sun Hong, 73, was charged with maintaining an establishment for prostitution.

Investigation of the business began over the winter and continued to lead to the arrests based on numerous complaints about the business which were investigated by narcotics agents and detectives.

At the time police said the business was operating as a therapeutic massage salon but investigation revealed evidence that employees openly solicited customers. There was a large amount of evidence seized that would indicate the payment of money for getting sexual favors, one investigator said at the time, adding, “In my opinion this business was no more than a front to operate as a brothel."

Since then charges were dismissed against Kim, who has since moved from the area. Hong's case was continued to November 2 so an interpreter could be located.

Said Jackson: “We will continue to keep a watchful eye and take action just as before.”