A press release from the Clinton Police Department:
The along with members of the Connecticut State Police conducted a six-month investigation into an alleged prostitution operation in Clinton.
The investigation resulted in the execution of a search warrant at the business known as "Jade Massage Therapy" at 3 Post Office Square. The business is also known as "888 Massage." Police said they received numerous complaints from citizens reporting male clients who were patronizing the business were engaging in sex with the female employees inside the business. The business was advertised on the internet and on signage in town.
During the investigation, which included surveillance and working with cooperating witnesses, it was determined most of the clients were adult males from out of town and virtually all were allegedly engaged in the illicit activity.
Police also determined that the employees who worked at the business did not have a Connecticut Massage license. The employees and the owner were identified and all are all from New York. The owner, Yujing Hou, also known as “Anna” of Flushing, New York, does have a Connecticut Massage license but is not at the business on a regular basis.
Police were able to obtain a search and seizure warrant for the business. The search warrant was executed and police seized evidence from the business to include business records, notes, lotions, oils, advertising and computers. Police also seized an internal surveillance system which could be recorded and or accessed remotely by the business owner. Police also determined that this business is associated with other similar type businesses in Connecticut and the Tri-state area.
Police arrested an employee, Yan Qin, also known as “Connie” and charged her with Prostitution 53a-182. It was determined that Qin, 39, of Flushing, New York, has a previous arrest in 2011 in New York for prostitution. She is not a licensed massage therapist.
Qin is scheduled to appear in Middletown Superior court on March 20.
The Clinton Department of Zoning and the Connecticut River Area Health district are also investigating. The case remains open and police expect to make more arrests.
---- end of press release
Bradford Sullivan, who operates the located at 4 Post Office Square directly across the street from the business, said, "I am glad it's closed. It was a black eye on the community and our businesses in this area."
