(Rehoboth Beach, Del) Thursday December 4, 2014 a joint operation was conducted targeting two local massage parlors in the Rehoboth Beach area. Officers from Delaware State Police Sussex Drug Task Force, Sussex Governor's Task Force, Troop 4 Major Crimes Unit, Department of State Division of Professional Regulation, State of Delaware Department of Justice, and Department of Homeland Security were involved in the investigation.
According to police Thursday morning when an undercover detective arrived at the Top Quality Spa located at 37169 Rehoboth Avenue Extended for a massage. While performing the massage, the masseuse, Xiangyu Jin, 44 of Rehoboth, offered to perform a sex act in exchange for cash. The detective refused and left the business.
The same undercover detective then entered the Relaxed Spa located at 37385 Rehoboth Avenue Extended for a massage. While performing the massage, the masseuse, Meizhu Zhang, 43 of Rehoboth, offered to perform a sex act in exchange for cash. The detective refused and left the business.
Shortly thereafter, investigators executed simultaneous search warrants at the spas. Meizhu Zhang was taken into custody at the Relax Spa without incident. Also located in the business during the raid was Howard W. Brand Jr., 46 of Lewes. Further investigation revealed that Brand was at the business to provide cash in exchange for a sex act from Meizhu Zhang. Xiangyu Jin and another masseuse, Yan F. Dong, 40 of Rehoboth, were taken into custody at Top Quality Spa. Business records and prostitution paraphernalia were seized during the execution of the search warrants of both businesses.
The three suspects were charged with the following as a result of the investigation:
Meizhu Zhang: Prostitution; Engage in practice of Massage and bodywork therapy without being duly licensed. Arraigned at JP3 and released after posting $550.00 secured bond. (Photo with Red shirt)
Xiangyu Jin: Prostitution; Engage in practice of Massage and bodywork therapy without being duly licensed. Arraigned at JP3 and released after posting $550.00 secured bond. (Photo with Hair over right eye)
Yan F. Dong: Prostitution; Engage in practice of Massage and bodywork therapy without being duly licensed. Arraigned at JP3 and released after posting $550.00 secured bond. (Photo with Hair over left eye)
The following individuals were also contacted and found to be patronizing the business in exchange for sex acts:
Arthur J. Stouffs, 72 of Bethesda, MD: Patronizing a Prostitute or Request Sexual Contact in Return for Fee. Released on Criminal Summons
Richard L. Engle, 38 of Magnolia: Patronizing a Prostitute or Request Sexual Contact in Return for Fee. Released on Criminal Summons
Barry C. Lenhart, 72 of Lewes: Patronizing a Prostitute or Request Sexual Contact in Return for Fee. Released on Criminal Summons
James S. Shortley, 80 of Rehoboth: Patronizing a Prostitute or Request Sexual Contact in Return for Fee. Released on Criminal Summons
Howard W. Brand Jr, 46 of Lewes: Patronizing a Prostitute or Request Sexual Contact in Return for Fee. Released on Criminal Summons.
Police only released photos of the women involved, not the men arrested. When WRDE News approached the Relaxed Spa Wednesday is was Open for business.