EMPORIA, Va. — Two people have been arrested after an investigation into alleged prostitution and human trafficking at an Emporia massage parlor, police said.
The Emporia Police Department said officers executed a search warrant July 21 at Healing Body Massage, located at 518 N. Main St. in the Emporia Shopping Center, following a monthslong investigation.
During the operation, police arrested Xue E. Li, 58, of Brooklyn, New York, and Y’Lin Li, 58, of New York, New York, without incident, according to authorities.
Both were charged with prostitution, keeping or residing in a bawdy place, commercial sex trafficking and obstruction of justice.
“We had some anonymous tips come in to the police department sparked an investigation,” Emporia Police Chief Troy Hawkins said about the anonymous complaints that alleged workers at the business were exchanging money for sexual acts.
Authorities said officers also requested assistance from Emporia Code Enforcement during the search of the business.
“Several females are indicated to be staying inside this establishment,” Emporia Police Lt. Cody Simmons said.
Simmons said investigators are continuing to examine whether additional human trafficking offenses occurred and warned more arrests could follow.
“The Emporia Police Department will continue to take allegations of human trafficking and illegal commercial sexual activity seriously,” Hawkins said in a statement. “These investigations are complex and require strong partnerships.”
He added that the department remains committed to “protecting vulnerable individuals and holding those who exploit them accountable through a thorough and lawful investigation.”
Police are asking anyone with information related to the case to contact the Emporia Police Department at (434) 634-7320.
This is a developing story. Email the CBS 6 Newsroom if you have additional information to share.
📲: CONNECT WITH US
Blue Sky | Facebook | Instagram | X | Threads | TikTok | YouTube
This story was initially reported by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy. To learn more about how we use AI in our newsroom, click here.
