Prostitution Sting Shuts Down Illegal Massage Parlors in the Carolinas Allegedly Run By Li Huang, and Chongmei Wei

 

Two women are facing allegations of running illicit massage parlors in various neighborhoods across the Carolinas.

The investigation originated in Winston-Salem and led Homeland Security to conduct operations against massage parlors spanning from Indian Trail to Rock Hill and Gastonia.

Among these locations was a seemingly ordinary house on Saluda Street in Rock Hill, where investigators discovered activities far from the norm. One neighbor, Amy Cheever, suspected that something unusual was occurring but was shocked to learn that the police and Homeland Security believed the residence was involved in a criminal enterprise.

"This is one of those things you don't expect to happen next door," expressed Cheever.

Until recently, the house next door had a family residing in it, but approximately two weeks ago, law enforcement officers, including federal agents, busted an illegal massage parlor operating within the home. The revelation left Cheever stunned and describing the situation as "disgusting, terrifying, surprising."

Authorities revealed that this particular parlor was not the only one. Seven women are facing charges in connection with a prostitution sting, allegedly operating out of eight parlors across North and South Carolina, with six of them located in the Channel 9 viewing area.

Cheever had suspicions when she noticed a massage parlor poster put up, and unfamiliar faces started frequenting the house. She noted the presence of "fancy cars, some different, every day."

Police indicated that the operators had a parlor in Indian Land, which Chopper 9 Skyzoom observed during a flyover. Additionally, in Gastonia, residents recognized one of the arrested women at a spa on Garrison Boulevard, raising concerns about potential habitation at the location.

Although investigators conducted operations at all the identified locations, Cheever mentioned that she never saw police activity on Saluda Street.

"Shock, just really shocked," she remarked.

Following the arrest in Rock Hill, Cheever observed people passing by the house, with the signs that were previously present now removed. Both investigators and neighbors hope that any issues that may have existed before are now resolved.

The two women accused of operating the illicit massage parlors have been identified as Li Huang, aged 49, and Chongmei Wei, aged 59. Huang faces charges of felony promoting prostitution and felony continuing a criminal enterprise and was granted a $15,000 bond. 

Wei has outstanding arrest warrants for promoting prostitution and continuing a criminal enterprise.

In another development, an 11-year-old youth football player has been taken into custody on suspicion of shooting and injuring two fellow players during a practice session in Florida on Monday evening, as per authorities. See detailed story here

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