OTHELLO – A months-long investigation of illicit massage parlors resulted in an arrest in Othello on Thursday morning. The multi-agency operation included simultaneous search warrants. “The Kennewick Police Department executed a warrant at Asian Wellness Spa in Kennewick. At the same time, the Othello Police Department, alongside Homeland Security Investigations agents, served a warrant at Health Land Massage in Othello, highlighting a coordinated effort to dismantle trafficking networks and enforce laws against illegal activities,” said a press release from the Othello Police Department.
Othello police said that they acted on citizen complaints, surveillance, and open-source intelligence to uncover illicit activity at Health Land Massage. ” Further investigation revealed that the owner, 64-year-old Liping Su, also owned Asian Wellness Spa in Kennewick, indicating a possible connection between the two establishments and suggesting an organized network of illegal activities across multiple locations,” the release said. A February 2024 joint operation between OPD and the Kennewick Police Department “confirmed illicit commercial sex activities at Asian Wellness Spa, located at 7535 W. Kennewick Ave., Suite A.”
Three victims of human trafficking were recovered and have been provided resources by Support, Advocacy & Resource Center (SARC), New Hope of Moses Lake, and HSI Victim Services. “Additionally, investigators recovered evidence of illicit commercial sex activities, seized thousands of dollars in illegal proceeds, and confiscated one vehicle to significantly disrupt Su’s illicit business practices,” said OPD.
Liping Su was arrested and booked into Adams County Jail pending charges of Promoting Prostitution in the Second Degree (RCW 9A.88.080) and Permitting Prostitution (RCW 9A.88.090). She will face charges in both Adams and Benton counties.
Othello Police Department stressed that “Su is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This investigation remains active, with additional follow-up efforts underway to further address and dismantle the criminal network.”
