A prostitution and human trafficking scheme was just broken up by an undercover operation by the Clinton Police Department on June 2nd. Two women have been taken into custody and court documents outline findings from the operation, which suggest signs of illegal activity and potential exploitation.
Clinton Police Captain John Scott visited the establishment posing as a customer seeking a massage. During the sting, Jinmei Yan allegedly offered him sexual acts in return for $150, following an initial $50 payment to the business. According to reports, Yan described and demonstrated the proposed sexual service before placing a pillow on the massage table and signaling Scott to undress. At that point, law enforcement officers entered and arrested her. Once at the Henry County Detention Center, a large sum of money was found hidden in her shoe. Some of the bills had serial numbers matching those used by Captain Scott in the undercover operation.
Subsequent searches led to the detainment of a second woman, Meixi Chen, and the discovery of condoms, large amounts of money, and signs of people living inside the location. Chen claimed she simply responded to an online ad the day before during an interview with Detective Derek Foreman, and she claims that she traveled from Kansas City alone to be hired for cleaning and cooking services. Investigators suspect she may have been a victim of trafficking without her knowledge.
Witness statements also stacked more evidence within the investigation. Police were told that three individuals of Asian descent—two men and one woman—regularly drop off different workers at the business each month. None of the workers appear to return once they leave.
Both Chen and Yan are facing criminal charges in connection with the case. The investigation remains active, and authorities say additional arrests or charges may be forthcoming. The Clinton Police Department is asking anyone with information related to this case or similar incidents to contact law enforcement immediately.
