EVERETT, Wash. - Authorities say the owner of bikini coffee stands in Washington state banked more than $2 million in just three years because her baristas were also selling sex acts.
Snohomish County prosecutors charged 52-year-old former nude dancer Carmela Panico with promoting prostitution and money laundering, alleging that she was the madam of drive-thru brothels throughout the county north of Seattle.
Court documents say the baristas would expose their breasts and genitals and charge for sex acts.
The Everett Herald reports (http://bit.ly/1lliY1P ) Saturday that Panico's attorney told the court she is no longer in the coffee business and has sold off some of her stands and leased others. In a raid last year, investigators found $250,000 at Panico's home.
The investigation into Panico has also resulted in the prosecution of a veteran sheriff's sergeant. Darrell O'Neill is accused of tipping off Panico and baristas to ongoing police investigations in return for sexual favours.
