Human trafficking investigation continues as charges filed against 2 in Missouri
CLINTON, Mo. (KCTV) - Charges have been filed against two women from New York who are believed to be part of a human trafficking ring promoting prostitution in Missouri.
Henry County, Missouri, Circuit Court records filed on Tuesday, June 3, indicate that Jin M. Yan, 52, and Meixi Chen, 41, both of Flushing, New York, have been charged in connection with a potential human trafficking ring presence in Clinton.
A probable cause statement filed by the Clinton Police Department revealed that on Monday, Captain John Scott went undercover following complaints of prostitution at an area business. He reported that he spoke with a man on the phone and arranged a massage.
Once inside the accused parlor, Scott indicated that he was escorted to a private room by a woman later identified as Yan and was asked to pay a $50 fee.
As the massage was prepared, Scott allegedly asked what other services were available. Yan was believed to have motioned that sexual services were also offered. When she advanced toward him, other law enforcement officials entered the building and placed her under arrest.
During a search of the parlor, investigators said they found that employees had been living in the space. They also found various unused condoms and a large amount of cash.
D noted that Chen was also found during the raid. She allegedly itted that she had answered an online ad for a position at the business. She said that she had flown into KCI and used a taxi to transport herself to the parlor where she had been for about a day.
However, Missouri State Highway Patrol investigators who specialize in human trafficking noted that those involved in the sex trade typically give the exact same story.
A witness told law enforcement officials that two other women and a man would regularly drop off different workers each month. However, they never saw the same workers come back to the business after they left.
Investigators said they continue to glean new information in this investigation, including evidence that suggests organized interstate human trafficking. Reports have been given to federal authorities to pin down those responsible.
As a result, court records indicated that Yan and Chen were both charged with promoting prostitution, a crime for which they each could spend up to 4 years in prison if convicted. Both pleaded not guilty during an initial appearance.
A bond reduction hearing has been scheduled for Yan and Chen at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, June 6.
“Often thought of as a ‘victimless’ crime, prostitution is more of a byproduct of something far more insidious,” said a D spokesperson. “Vulnerable persons, through threat, coercion and violence, can unwittingly find themselves in a position where prostitution seems their only option. Those who visit prostitution are directly contributing to the victimization of those persons. Not to mention, the American dollar spent on this illegal activity do not local business, it often s foreign organized crime.”
Anyone with information about the investigation has been urged to report it to the Clinton Police Department at 660-885-2679. No further information has been released.
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