Kent Police have arrested two women for committing lewd acts while working as baristas at Twin Peaks Espresso, a drive-through coffee stand on Kent’s East Hill.
The arrests are part of an investigation that began in late last year after police received several complaints from the public.
Detectives with the Kent Police Department’s Special Investigation Unit started their investigation in October after getting reports of female store employees exposing themselves and committing lewd acts for drive-up customers. Payment for these acts came in the form of tips paid for the coffee beverage and ranged from $10 to 25, police said.
Undercover investigators used site surveillance and drive-up contacts to build their case, identifying a number of baristas who engaged in the illicit behavior. Detectives also canvassed and reviewed the business practices at a number of other “bikini barista” coffee shops located throughout Kent but determined all to be compliant with local ordinances.
A 23-year-old Montlake Terrace woman was arrested for prostitution at Twin Peaks Espresso, at 24013 104 Ave. SE, on Wednesday morning. Because of her arrest, the shop was temporarily closed.
Later the same day Kent detectives located a second suspect working in another latte stand in the Edmonds area. With assistance of local officers, the detectives arrested a 19-year-old Lynnwood woman, charging her with violation of Kent’s adult entertainment ordinance.
Both were booked at the Kent Corrections Center.
“These arrests do not signal the end of this investigation,” said Kent Police Assistant Chief Pat Lowery.
Kent Police have identified and plan on charging several more employees of the targeted business.
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