Five individuals were apprehended following a Spa Raid conducted by Homeland Security and local police in North Strabane Township, Pennsylvania, amidst allegations of prostitution. The operation targeted two spas, Jin Spa and Yan Spa, both owned and operated by the same individual, after a prolonged investigation confirmed illicit activities.
Authorities identified the arrested individuals as Walter Mock Jr., 59, Jing Wang, 53, Yan Miao, 51, Saizhu Ouyang, 49, and Ying Luo, 52. The North Strabane Township police department stated that their investigation, which spanned several months, substantiated reports of criminal activity at Jin Spa, located on McClelland Road, and Yan Spa, situated on Houston Hill Church Road.
The investigation involved undercover officers who carried out five operations between October and the present date. Law enforcement officials pinpointed Walter Mock Jr. and Jing Wang as the alleged leaders of the prostitution operation. According to police reports, Mock was responsible for transporting workers between the two spa locations, while Wang is accused of facilitating massage appointments and knowingly exchanging sexual acts for monetary compensation.
The spa raid has elicited strong reactions from the local community. Melinda Ferrante, a resident who witnessed the raid at Jin Spa, expressed her dismay, stating, “It’s sickening, it really is.” Driving past the scene with her son, she immediately suspected a “sex raid.” Ferrante voiced concerns about potential coercion and exploitation, questioning, “What I worry about is was it young girls? Was it girls being coerced to do this or was it willingly these women doing this?”
On the day of the raids, a coordinated effort involving North Strabane Township police, Pennsylvania State Police, and Homeland Security Investigations executed search and arrest warrants at both spa locations and associated residences. Ben Settimio, a nearby resident, conveyed his shock, remarking, “I mean I’m shocked, I mean you hear about spas like that but you don’t expect them to be right there.” Police confirmed the arrest of five individuals who were employees and principals of the illicit businesses.
Ferrante further emphasized the broader societal impact of such operations, stating, “It ruins families is what it does. The customers who come in, and they could have families at home, and it’s all gonna get brought out and it’s just gonna destroy so many lives and families right now.” She expressed her hope that the charges against those arrested would be upheld.
The North Strabane Township police department also highlighted the concerning proximity of the spas to public schools and medical facilities. Both Jin Spa and Yan Spa have been temporarily closed pending further investigation. Ferrante pointed out the recurring nature of such incidents in the region, mentioning similar cases in Bridgeville and Mount Oliver, and called for stronger measures to combat this issue.
Authorities are now focusing on identifying individuals who may have been clients of the spas. North Strabane Township police have urged anyone who believes they may have been a victim of assault at either spa to come forward and contact them. Additionally, anyone possessing information regarding illegal activities at Jin Spa or Yan Spa is requested to contact the North Strabane Township police department at 724-746-4090 or via email at [email protected].