MIDVALE, Utah (ABC 4 News) - The father of American Idol runner-up David Archuleta has been cited and fined for solicitation of a prostitute during a sting at a Midvale massage parlor.
Police say Jeff Archuleta was involved in a sting at the Queens of Reiki massage business on January 14, 2009, and pleaded no contest to solicitation charges.
ABC 4 spoke with Jeff Archuleta's attorney Eric Bauer Wednesday night. He confirmed that Archuleta had been a customer at the massage parlor when police raided it. Bauer also said Archuleta went to the massage parlor for legitimate therapy on his back.
Bauer also confirmed that Archuleta pleaded No Contest to the solicitation charge and paid a fine of $582. Bauer added that even though Archuleta pleaded No Contest that his client did not participate in any sexual activity.
Midvale Police Sergeant John Salazar told ABC 4 News, "He was the sole client, there were three other women there - all issued citations ranging from prostitution to conducting business without a license. and we shut 'em down."
Salazar added that there was proof a massage, and more that had taken place moments before they walked-in. Whan ABC 4 asked if Archuleta was at the massage parlor for a massage and nothing else, Salazar replied, "Through the investigation and interview, no, he was there for sexual gratification."
Bauer also said he advised Archuleta to plead No Contest in hopes of avoiding publicity for his son David, who is embarking on a nationwide tour to promote his newly released CD.
