SNOHOMISH, Wash. – The owner of a Seattle-area chain of drive-up coffee stands forfeited more than $250,000 in ill-gotten gains after admitting her baristas served more than caffeine.
Former exotic dancer Carmela Panico, 52, pleaded guilty Tuesday to felony charges of fraud and promotion of prostitution. According to the county prosecutor’s office, each of the baristas employed in five coffee shops with names including Java Juggs and Twin Peaks earned as much as $85,000 monthly in “tips.”
According to an affidavit the Snohomish County Prosecutor’s Office filed in late August, citizen complaints and police informants tipped off law enforcement to Panico’s game, which included baristas exposing their breasts and genitals and engaging in “sexual contact” with customers. The shops charged $20 for a cup of coffee that would have cost $6 at more traditional coffeehouses; baristas allegedly set their own prices for other services.
As part of the plea bargain, Panico must testify against a county sheriff’s deputy accused of accepting sex in exchange for keeping Panico apprised of law enforcement interest in her operation.
In addition to forfeiting cash and testifying, Panico faces up to two years in jail.
