New Mexico massage parlor owner facing prostitution charges

NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – A California lady who has owned Asian therapeutic massage parlors throughout New Mexico is dealing with federal prostitution and cash laundering prices. The federal search warrant states the investigation revealed the overwhelming majority of Asian therapeutic massage parlors in Albuquerque, and New Mexico operated as homes of prostitution.

Lily Bai has owned therapeutic massage parlors in Albuquerque, Farmington, and Silver Metropolis. She was arrested for what occurred at a retailer in Las Cruces. Federal authorities say Bai knew about and inspired the criminality at her therapeutic massage parlors and that it was crucial to draw a ample buyer base to make the companies worthwhile.

“It’s horrifying. Having this many therapeutic massage parlors on the town is horrifying on so many ranges,” says Christine Barber, government director at Road Secure New Mexico. She has been monitoring these companies for years.

“Traditionally, inside the regulation enforcement group, making an attempt to make a case on these circumstances. It’s troublesome. In order that they go after the enterprise as a result of that’s the best way to close them down,” Barber says.

The investigation has been happening for nearly 4 years. Bai acknowledged the masseuse who labored on the San Mateo parlor lived on the facility. “There are little areas behind the therapeutic massage parlor which can be fenced in, and you may see that somebody’s residing in that little fence din space of they’re staying in a mattress within the again – only a cot,” says Barber.

A search of New Mexico Workforce Options information revealed there have been no wages reported by Bai for 5 years. However her 11 financial institution accounts totaled deposits of greater than $630,000.

The search warrant states undercover investigators visited Bai’s therapeutic massage parlors posing as prospects. Every time, they have been supplied intercourse in change for cash. Federal investigators say masseuses are successfully coerced into performing intercourse acts on prospects to earn sufficient cash for his or her primary residing bills like meals and private gadgets.

“The ladies who’re there, they could find yourself having to pay for their very own conditioner, pay for their very own shampoo, and so they’re paying the madam. They’re not allowed to eat,” says Barber.

Bai instructed undercover officers she was instructed the therapeutic massage parlor enterprise is healthier in New Mexico as a result of, in different states, they verify therapeutic massage licenses, and right here, they don’t. Bai is dealing with a seven-count federal indictment for the Las Cruces enterprise.