Human trafficking charges filed in Shelby County spa crackdown - WBMA

[Gracie Johnson]

ALABASTER, Ala. — Two spas in Alabaster are at risk of losing their business licenses as the city council considers revocation following an investigation by the Shelby County Drug Enforcement Task Force.

The investigation, which has been ongoing for months, resulted in the arrest of three individuals on felony charges related to promoting prostitution, with two now facing additional human trafficking charges.

Zhen Liang Ou and Aiqin Zheng were among those arrested during a multi-agency crackdown on illegal activities at local spas. Initially charged with promoting prostitution in the second degree, both now face first-degree human trafficking charges and are being held without bond.

Ting Ting Chen, the third individual arrested, remains charged with promoting prostitution in the second degree and has been released on a $15,000 bond.

ABC 33/40's Gracie Johnson reported that Grace Spa was closed with locked doors on Thursday, while TRU Acupressure remained open.

The owner of TRU Acupressure declined to appear on camera but claimed ignorance of any illegal activity, displaying signs inside the spa prohibiting sexual services.

Clayton Smith of the Shelby County Drug Enforcement Task Force expressed skepticism, stating, "From our investigation we have done and the things we have discovered through that investigation it is hard for me to believe anyone involved, an owner or an employee, did not know that those type of activities were going on."

The task force executed six search warrants earlier this month, including at both Alabaster locations. Smith noted, "The complaints we have gotten from citizens were their intentions were to go in and get a legitimate massage from a licensed massage therapist and sometimes they would be propositioned and asked if they would like to receive prostitution acts."

Investigators also revealed that some workers might have been in the country illegally and hired to perform sex acts. When asked if those participating were willing participants, Smith said he could not discuss those details at this time.

The Alabaster city council will hold public hearings before voting on the business license revocations during its June 9 meeting.

Additionally, the Shelby County Sheriff's Office plans to request the Chelsea City Council to revoke the business license of Lily Massage, which was also part of the investigation.