Human Trafficking Investigation Follows Marion Massage Parlor Prostitution Arrests - Rewind

Marion Police Sgt. Lance Miller said a human trafficking investigation is underway in connection with recent prostitution arrests.

Since the investigation is ongoing, Miller said he could not provide any more information on the incident.

He did, however, speak about how prostitution stings lead to human trafficking investigations, in his experience. 

Human Trafficking

"Often times we receive criticism for why you are doing a prostitution sting, it’s two consenting adults," he said. "But human trafficking underlies many of the underlying aspects of prostitution."

Human trafficking conjures images from movies of malnourished immigrants in chains, but the reality, Miller said, is different.

In the stings, police have found "juveniles held against their will" and adults forced into prostitution due to their economic status.

Original Incident

Last month's sting resulted in the arrests of four people on prostitution and disorderly house charges at two local massage parlors.

Officers made arrests at Massage Heaven on 743 10th Avenue and Asian Massage at 271 Seventh St., after police received a tip from a confidential informant that "sex acts" were traded for money.

Jennifer Yue Dougherty, 47, of Marion, and Hongmei Hu, 42, of Marion, were charged with prostitution and a disorderly house violation. Guanglan Zhou, 50, of Marion, and Jia Lee, 25, also of Marion, were each charged with a disorderly house violation.