FBI continues investigation into human trafficking at spa – WCLU

GLASGOW — Local authorities have provided more information about an investigation into a massage parlor and spa in Barren County.

The Glasgow Police Department launched an investigation earlier this year into alleged human trafficking at Summer Spa, a former business located along Rogers Wells Boulevard. GPD investigated the case for about eight months before it was completely given to the FBI for further review.

“The workers at that location could be involved in other criminal activities in other states,” said Terry Flatt, Glasgow Police public information officer.

Jing J. Zheng, 32, was arrested April 4 and pleaded guilty to one count of promoting prostitution. Flatt said she was likely a subordinate to a person engaged in an organized human trafficking scheme. He could not comment whether the individual who managed the operation at Summer Spa was under investigation.

Police relinquished the property along Rogers Wells Boulevard back to its owner. The spa was leased, and the ownership is not affiliated with the scheme.

The line between suspect and victim becomes unclear in these cases because traffickers are often removed from the site where the crimes are committed, which leaves those trafficked to commit the actual crimes. Authorities speculate the crimes committed here are a part of a larger scheme on the west coast of the United States.

Zheng performed sexual acts on patrons of Summer Spa, according to an arrest citation obtained from police. Flatt said it was a “very good possibility” she was coerced to commit those acts.

“Their life is very controlled by one individual that basically just shuffles them around from state to state,” he said.

Aside from those involved in the trafficking scheme, certain victims were those who went to the spa and wanted a massage as advertised. Others went more than once.

“Most of them were repeat customers,” Flatt said.

Several calls were directed to Glasgow's police department after information surfaced of the crimes committed there. About a dozen of those calls were concerned parents who had purchased gift cards, police said.

Additional information about the investigation was not detailed due to the FBI's ongoing work.

Zheng is scheduled to appear in Barren District Court on Aug. 11 at 1 p.m. She was ordered to complete psychotherapy, which she chose to do in California.