Full Notification

On the evening of January 23, Tonga Ball, 61 year-old, Rohnert Park was arrested for prostitution.

Sonoma County Sheriff's Office Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Unit Detectives conducted an undercover operation, specifically, targeting possible human trafficking, in the massage parlor business. The Sonoma County Sheriff's Office Detectives collaborated with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the US Department of Homeland Security, and Sonoma County Code Enforcement for this multi-agency joint operation.

An undercover detective entered the Green Rose Therapy business, in Penngrove, to receive a massage. Ball escorted the undercover detective, into a room. Ball began to give the detective a massage and shortly thereafter, solicited the detective to perform a lewd act for money. Detectives entered the business and detained Ball. There were no other employees, or clients inside the business, at the time.

A detective and a FBI Agent conducted an interview with Ball regarding possible human trafficking. Ball said, she was there on her own free will and the business was not involved in any human trafficking operation. Ultimately, Ball was cited and released for solicitation for prostitution.

A Sonoma County Code Enforcement Agent entered the business and found multiple violations, including being a public nuisance, change of occupancy, commercial tenant improvements without permits, and unpermitted substandard construction. The business was posted as being a dangerous building and the specific tenant spaces cannot be occupied until the violations have been corrected.

Upon completion of our investigation at Green Rose Therapy, detectives and Sonoma County Code Enforcement Agents went to Penngrove Relax Center to conduct an inspection, of the business. Multiple violations were present at this location and the business was posted as being a dangerous building.

The Sonoma County Sheriff's Office would like to thank the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the US Department of Homeland Security, and Sonoma County Code Enforcement for their assistance with this investigation.

Every year, millions of men, women, and children are trafficked worldwide. In 2007, multiple agencies within Sonoma County helped to create the Sonoma County Human Trafficking Task Force (SCHTTF) to help combat human trafficking. The mission of SCHTTF is to ensure that all children and adult victims of human trafficking in Sonoma County receive all resources available to them; and that traffickers and purchasers are identified, investigated, and prosecuted to the utmost extent of the law. If you or someone you know is being trafficked, you can contact Verity at (707)545-7273, Social Advocates for Youth at (888)729-0012, or the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline at (888)373-7888.
 

Prepared by: Sergeant Juan Valencia, Public Information Officer

Case No: 200123-015

Media inquiries: (707) 565-3941