(POWELL, Ohio) -- Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine and members of the Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force announced today the arrests of two individuals in connection with alleged criminal activity occurring inside multiple massage parlors in central Ohio.
Members of the task force, which is part of the Ohio Attorney General's Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission, served search warrants at the following locations this morning:
- Amsun Massage, 128 East Olentangy Street, Powell
- Amsun Massage, 1000 High Street, Worthington
- Rainbow Massage, 5564 Hilliard Rome Road, Columbus
- A private residence at 2144 Jasmine Court, Columbus
The task force is comprised of authorities with the Columbus Police Department, Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation, U.S. Homeland Security Investigations, Powell Police Department, Delaware County Sheriff's Office, Ohio Highway Patrol, and Delaware County Prosecutor's Office.
State, local, and federal authorities began investigating the businesses in October after tips from the community indicated that customers were purchasing sex at the massage parlors and that some workers appeared to be living at the locations.
Individuals arrested as part of the investigation include:
- Qing Xu, age unknown, Columbus
- Xiao Shuang Chao, 56, Columbus
"The suspicion in this case is that those operating these massage parlors are operating businesses where sex is being sold in addition to massages," said Attorney General DeWine. "There is also reason to believe that some workers may have been living at the businesses, which leads us to question if those women are victims of human trafficking. Investigators are now working to determine if these workers were forced to live and work at these locations or if they were doing so of their own free will."
"Today we are not just arresting those who are suspected of trafficking women for sex, we are also rescuing those who may be victims of this heinous crime," said Columbus Police Commander Gary Cameron.
“The Powell Police Department received an anonymous letter in late October, alleging that Amsun Massage located in the City was being used for illicit services and that the women in servitude were spending their nights sleeping on massage tables,” said Powell Police Chief Gary Vest. “Surveillance of the Powell location supports the anonymous complaint, and it appears the women resided in the commercial location continually through nights, weekends and holidays.”
“Today’s arrests clearly demonstrate the important roles we all have in keeping our community safe,” said Delaware County Prosecutor Carol O’Brien. “A concerned resident took the time to write a letter, and in turn, multiple law enforcement agencies came together to investigate. In the coming weeks, we will continue to work together to understand the best course of legal action.”
"Today’s enforcement actions emphasize the commitment of HSI and our law enforcement partners to investigate those who may be seeking to profit from violating the law and dignity of another human being," said Marlon Miller, special agent in charge of HSI Detroit, which covers Michigan and Ohio. "HSI and our law enforcement partners will continue to aggressively combat this form of modern day slavery."
The Salvation Army of Delaware County will assist with providing housing and other necessities if any workers are identified as victims.
Additional agencies assisting the Central Ohio Human Trafficking Task Force in the investigation include the Worthington Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation.
January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month. To report activity you think may be related to human trafficking or to seek help, contact the National Human Trafficking Resource Center at 888-3737-888. This 24-hour hotline sends information directly to Ohio’s local anti-trafficking coalitions. Warning signs of human trafficking can be found on the Ohio Attorney General’s website at www.ohioattorneygeneral.gov/humantrafficking.
Established in 1986, the Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission assists local law enforcement agencies in combating organized crime and corrupt activities. The Commission is composed of members of the law enforcement community and is chaired by the Ohio Attorney General. In 2014, authorities working in OOCIC task forces across the state seized more than $23 million worth of drugs and more than $5 million in U.S. currency.
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Media Contacts:
Dan Tierney: 614-466-3840
Jill Del Greco: 614-466-3840