Missoula massage business owner convicted of trafficking charge - Nonstop Local News Montana

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A Missoula massage business owner, Yanbin Bao, has been found guilty of multiple trafficking charges. The investigation began after a report by a victim led authorities to uncover illegal activities at Soul Massage.


MISSOULA, Mont. – Yanbin Bao, owner of Soul Massage in Missoula, was found guilty of multiple trafficking charges on May 20. The Missoula County Attorney's Office secured convictions on four felony counts of sex trafficking and one felony count of labor trafficking.

The investigation began after a report on May 29, 2023, by Jane Doe, who alleged physical assault by Bao and her husband, Richard Bushey, at the massage parlor located at 5000 Hwy. 93 S. in Missoula. Her account, along with the conditions at Soul Massage, led officers to suspect sex trafficking activities.

A search of the premises revealed hidden condoms, lingerie, sexual lubricant, and a ledger of customers and transactions. Detectives Travis Wafstet and Sean Evans identified three victims who were trafficked by Bao between April 26 and May 29, 2023.

The case was prosecuted by Deputy County Attorneys Andrea Haney and Katrina Thorness. Haney emphasized the collaborative effort, stating, "This verdict is the culmination of the hard work and dedication of so many. We are grateful to the jury and our partners in law enforcement and the community for their efforts."

Bao is set to be sentenced at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 27, in Missoula County District Court.