Local Massage Parlors Accused of Offering Sex for a Fee

Story Updated 4:35 PM Sunday, July 19, 2015

– Allison Goldsberry

Medford Police made two arrests at two separate massage parlors following undercover investigations that revealed alleged offers of sexual conduct for a fee.

For the past month police conducted surveillance of Asian Body Work, located at 34 Riverside Avenue in Medford Square, and Min’s Body Work, located at 112 Central Avenue, following complaints that the businesses might have been involved in illegal activities such as offering sex for a fee. Police say undercover officers who received a half hour massage at each business were both offered sexual conduct for a fee. Following the offer, surveillance officers entered the businesses and made the arrests.

Ms. Ping Wang (pictured, right), 53, from Flushing, NY was arrested at Asian Body Work and Ms. Yudan Feng (pictured, left), 37, was arrested at Min’s Body Work. Both have been charged with offering sexual conduct for a fee.

Both women were arrested on July 16. According to information released by Medford Police, agents from Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Massachusetts Division of Professional Licensure, Woburn Police, and Malden Police assisted with the investigation.

“Medford Police take this type of criminal activity seriously as it directly affects the quality of life of everyone involved and specifically the citizens and businesses directly surrounding these establishments,” said a statement from police.

Police say the business owners were not on scene at the time of the arrests and both businesses have been cited by the Massachusetts Division of Professional Licensure. There doesn’t immediately appear to be a relation or connection between the two businesses.

“These arrests were made possible thanks to help from the public and the good work of law enforcement,” said Medford Police Chief Leo Sacco, Jr. “Tips from members of the public who sensed suspicious activity was occurring led to the investigation. We are grateful to the people who came forward so that this activity could be stopped.”

According to information released by Middlesex District Attorney Marian Ryan’s office, Feng and Wang were both arraigned in Somerville District Court on Friday. They were charged with one count each of performing sexual conduct for a fee. They were released on personal recognizance and their next court hearing is scheduled for August 15.

“This incident is a good example of the importance of community engagement with law enforcement officials,” said DA Ryan in a statement. “People who saw something suspicious, reported it to police, which then allowed detectives to do their jobs. In crime fighting and with crime prevention programs we are always more successful if we collaborate with each other to share information and resources.”

The investigation is ongoing and more criminal charges or administrative citations are possible.

This is not the first time Medford Police have investigated illegal activity at local massage parlors. In 2012, police arrested two women connected to two separate Medford massage parlors for allegedly offering sex for a fee.

According to Medford Police Captain Kevin Faller, both businesses “packed up and left the city” after the arrests. He said police also hope the same thing will happen with Asian Body Work and Min’s Body Work.

In 2013, Mystic Health Center in Medford was one of several area massage parlors accused of being a front for human trafficking. An investigation by then-Attorney General (and Medford resident) Martha Coakley alleged that the Medford massage parlor and others were part of a human trafficking ring that forced victims to offer sexual acts for a fee.

Asian Body Work

Min’s Body Work