Two at Downingtown spa face prostitution charges

Responding to citizen complaints, state police initiated a three-month probe into activities at a Downingtown spa that resulted in two prostitution arrests, police said yesterday.

Chong Soon Shin, 62, of Elmhurst, N.Y., and Min Ja Kim, 56, of Flushing, N.Y., were taken into custody Wednesday. Kim was charged with prostitution, and Shin was charged with prostitution and promoting prostitution at the Gold Star Spa in the 100 block of W. Lancaster Avenue. Police labeled the business an "organized brothel."

State police, who were assisted by Downingtown police, said the investigation is continuing. Bail was set at $50,000 cash for Shin and $35,000 cash for Kim, and both women were remanded to Chester County Prison. -Kathleen Brady Shea