Massage parlors eyed for prostitution

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - On Wednesday, seven massage parlors were shut down for being unlicensed, four of those parlors are now facing prostitution charges.

Six local police departments  -- Longmeadow, Springfield, East Longmeadow, Hadley, Chicopee, and West Springfield -- worked alongside U.S. Immigration Services to shut down illegal, unlicensed massage parlors across the area.

In Longmeadow The Chinese Massage Parlor on Maple Road was shut down. The owner, Xiuli Li, was charged for running a prostitution ring out of her business and running an unlicensed parlor.

Massage Therapy, located at 2260 Westfield St. in West Springfield was also raided. Police found three 35 to 47 year old Asian female workers, two male customers inside, and three individual massage rooms. Massage Therapy is now faces charges of operating an unlicensed massage parlor, and solicitation of prostitution. The investigation is ongoing, and more criminal charges may be brought.

Law Enforcement Authorities also made two prostitution arrests while executing search warrants at two locations on Route 9 in Hadley.

Assistant Northwestern District Attorney Michael Cahillane told 22News police searched 206 and 215 Russell Street, Jane's Spa and Hadley Massage Therapy.

Xiumei Zheng, 43-years old of Jane's Spa and 47-year old Zhen Shu Li of Hadley Massage Therapy, both face arraignment Thursday in Eastern Hampshire District Court. They face misdemeanor charges of engaging in sexual conduct for a fee which is punishable by 1 year in a county house of correction or a $500 fine.

Fiona's Spa on Memorial Drive in Chicopee was also shut down for being unlicensed. So far, no prostitution charges have been brought against the spa.