California Massage Parlor Loses Suit Over Warrantless Searches

Three warrantless inspections of a California massage parlor after a prostitution investigation didn’t violate the Fourth Amendment, the Ninth Circuit said Thursday.

Because the California massage parlor industry is closely regulated, the owner didn’t have a legitimate expectation of privacy, the opinion by Judge John B. Owens said.

Although no charges were filed against Phillip Killgore and Lavender Massage Center, the parlor was closed as a result of the inspections.

Warrantless inspections of closely regulated businesses are reasonable under the Fourth Amendment if they promote a substantial governmental interest protected by the applicable regulatory scheme, the U.S. Court of Appeals ...