2 arrested in prostitution investigation at massage businesses - KCCI Des Moines

[massage]

Two women were arrested Monday in connection with a prostitution investigation at two massage businesses in Ames.


Ames police investigators served search warrants at May Spa, located at 110 Duff Ave., and Asian Health, located at 123 Sixth St.

The search warrants were executed after complaints of labor violations, prostitution, and unlicensed massages by employees of both businesses.

Xiao Zhang, 51, of Ames, was arrested and charged with two counts of prostitution. She is an employee of Asian Health. Her bond was set at $4,000.

Zemei Guo, 49, of Ames, was arrested and charged with practicing a massage without a license. She is an employee of May Spa. Her bond was set at $1,000.

Both women were taken to the Story County Jail.

Police said similar problems are being reported at other massage businesses in Iowa.

Tuesday, the windows were covered and front door completely blacked out at the Asian Health location.

"I'm not OK with that. That's not good," said Ghulam Ahmed, owners of the Kwik Stop next door.

Ahmed said he had no idea what was going on there.

"It doesn't look that open to me. I never saw any customers," said Ahmed.

Investigators brought in undercover agents from other police departments to help out with the case.

"They were given a sex act which in turn is prostitution at that point in time for money," said Sgt. Mark Watson, of the Ames Police Department.

Watson said police are looking at an Asian male as the owner of both massage parlors and are investigating his connection to businesses in Mason City and Johnston.

"We are not 100 percent sure all owned by the same guy, but we believe he's got some hand in the pot here," said Watson.

Mark Hansen owns a gas station that's a couple of doors down from May Spa.

"I've been in this community my whole life and I know lots of people in Ames by no way do I want any sort of association with that type of activity going on," Hansen.

Police said more charges are expected and they are also looking into human trafficking charges. Ames police were assisted in the investigation by the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals, Iowa Department of Public Health, Central Iowa Drug Task Force and ACCESS.

Anyone with information concerning the case should contact the Ames Police Department 515-239-5133 or the anonymous tip line 515-239-5533. Tips can also be made with the Story County Crime Stoppers by phone 515-382-7577, online at www.storycountycs.com, or by texting "STORYCOUNTY" plus your tip to 847411 (tip411).

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