5 bikini baristas at Everett stand charged with prostitution

EVERETT, Wash. -- Five baristas of a local bikini coffee stand are accused of engaging in prostitution while on the clock.

Police spokesman Robert Goetz said the five employees of Grab-N-Go Espresso were charged with prostitution and violating the city's adult entertainment ordinance following a two-month undercover investigation

Goetz said no sex was involved; however, the women, ages 18 to 24, engaged in groping and other sexual acts - including exposing their breasts and privates and licking whipped cream off of each other - in exchange for money.

Police launched the investigation after receiving dozens of complaints regarding bikini baristas' allegedly lewd behavior.

The women are expected to be arraigned in municipal court in the upcoming weeks.

On Thursday morning, the stand's owner said the charges are false.

Because the charges are misdemeanors, the women have not been taken into custody and the coffee stand remains open.

Meantime, the Everett City Council is considering a tougher lewd behavior ordinance. Talks began after the city received some 50 complaints in the past six months about some local bikini baristas
"They'll flash you for extra money or they'll let you stick money on their underpants," said resident Kay Gourley.

Mayor Ray Stephanson said the new ordinance will address such lewd behavior.