CHP Unit That Investigates Major Crimes Descends on Fortuna Massage & Spa

Law enforcement officers with the California Highway Patrol’s Investigative Services Unit spent hours Thursday at Fortuna Massage & Spa on the 700 block of 12th Street in Fortuna in what appeared to be a significant enforcement action.

A tipster who contacted Redheaded Blackbelt said officers had been on scene for hours, with some standing outside with laptops open.

CHP’s Investigative Services Unit, known as ISU, is a plainclothes unit that handles complex criminal investigations that fall within or intersect with CHP’s statewide jurisdiction. Past ISU cases in the area have included a freeway shooting investigation in Covelo, a stolen vehicle operation in Fruitland, a drug trafficking investigation that reached into Fortuna and involved the search of a CHP officer’s home, and a double homicide investigation in Lake County.

ISU is distinct from local agencies like the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office or Fortuna Police Department, and their involvement in a local business typically signals a case with broader criminal dimensions.

CHP confirmed ISU’s involvement Thursday afternoon, but a public information officer said they’re still gathering details and would follow up with more information.

It is not yet known whether any arrests were made or the scope of the apparent search of the business.

This is a developing story.