5 people arrested in New Jersey for running houses of prostitution
TRENTON, N.J. — Five individuals from New York and New Jersey were arrested and charged in state court on Tuesday after an investigation into houses of prostitution.
These arrests resulted from an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Mercer County (New Jersey) Prosecutor’s Office, the Mercer County Sheriff’s Office, the police departments for the New Jersey communities of Ewing, Hamilton, Hopewell Township, Lawrence and Trenton, and the New Jersey State Police.
"HSI investigates a wide array of crimes, but the trafficking of women and girls against their will for prostitution is among the most sinister," said acting Special Agent in Charge Kevin Kelly of HSI Newark. "HSI, along with our law enforcement partners across New Jersey, will continue to aggressively investigate human trafficking to identify and rescue its innocent victims."
The following individuals were charged by the Mercer County Prosecutor:
- Ying Lan Lu, 34 of Flushing, New York, was charged with promoting prostitution.
- Meihua Cui, 31 of Little, New Jersey, was charged with promoting prostitution and engaging in prostitution.
- Feng Rong Chen, 46 of Queens, New York, was charged with promoting prostitution.
- Dan Dan Lu, 29, of Queens, New York, was charged with engaging in prostitution.
- Zhang Zhanping, 46, of Flushing, New York, was charged with promoting prostitution and engaging in prostitution.
According to court documents, during the course of the investigation undercover officers were solicited for sex by women working at three separate establishments. Beginning July 28, officers began executing search warrants at Young Spa, in Lawrence; Bala Bala, in Hopewell Township; and Asia Silk Spa, in Ewing.
On July 28, during the execution of search warrants at Young Spa, two female managers, Ying Lan Lu and Meihua Cui were arrested. A search of the establishment revealed bank records and $1,430 in cash. Two vehicles belonging to the defendants, a 2014 Nissan Sentra and a 2015 Toyota Rav4, were seized as proceeds related to the business.
On July 29, officers executed search warrants at Bala Bala. Two females, Feng Rong Chen and Dan Dan Lu, were arrested. A search of the establishment revealed bank records and $370.
On July 30, authorities executed search warrants at Asia Silk Spa. The female manager, Zhang Zhanping, was arrested. Bank records and $1,057 in cash were located throughout the building and in her vehicle. The vehicle, a 2014 Toyota Camry, was seized as proceeds related to the business.
“Law enforcement will not permit these houses of prostitution in Mercer County,” Acting Prosecutor Angelo J. Onofri said. “We will continue to work with local, state and federal partners to crack down on these illegal businesses that dramatically impact the quality of life for county residents.”
Promoting prostitution is a third-degree offense carrying a penalty of three to five years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000. Engaging in prostitution is a disorderly person’s offense.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Updated: