Accused Prostitute's Defense to Review Audio Tape

An audio tape may be pertinent to the case of a Fort Lee woman accused of prostitution at a Morris Plains massage spa.

The tape's existence was revealed during a Tuesday afternoon status conference at the Morris Plains Municipal Court.

Kin O. Hye, 54, appeared before Judge Michael A. Carlucci with her lawyer for a conference that lasted just over one minute. Hye was arrested last month in connection with alleged prostitution activity at VIP Spa on Route 10.

Parsippany defense attorney Lee Levitt asked for and received an adjournment so that he could have time to review the tape, which is now in the possession of Morris Plains Municipal Prosecutor Denis Driscoll.

Judge Carlucci allowed the adjournment, saying another status conference will take place once the defense has had an opportunity to hear what the recording contains.

"I don't have a clue of what's on the tape," Levitt said, adding that while the recording is part of the police probe into activities at VIP Spa, he does not know where or how the recording took place.

Hye entered a not guilty plea last month to the prostitution charges.

Driscoll said he has not yet reviewed the recording.

Once discovery is completed, the prosecutor said, the trial against Hye will commence. 

Hye, a certified and licensed massage therapist, according to Levitt, was arrested Sept. 20 following a five-month investigation of the VIP Spa by the Morris Plains detective bureau.

According to a statement released by Morris Plains Township Police, more than $1,000 was seized during the arrest, which occurred during a motor vehicle stop in Parsippany.

Hye is accused of engaging in sexual activity with another individual in exchange for cash and attempting to participate in sexual activity with an undercover officer, the statement said.

The statement also noted that more arrests were expected, however, NJ.com reported this week that police say no further arrests have been made.