APPLETON, Wis.
Six people are due back in court December 22, after being charged in an alleged prostitution ring in the Fox Valley. Three massage parlors in Appleton, Buchanan, and Ashwaubenon - and several private homes - were raided by police.Cash bonds were ordered for all six defendants. Authorities received anonymous tips about customers getting sexual services at the facilities.
Prosecutors noted the massage parlors are part of a larger effort to force women who have illegally been brought into the United States to work off debts.
Outagamie County sheriffs officials said their investigation was limited to the prostitution activities, while federal authorities will determine whether anyone was held against their will. Three of the six defendants are charged with keeping houses of prostitution. The others are charged with misdemeanor prostitution.
The Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency in Minneapolis says it has detainers on two of the six suspects, alleging that theyre illegal immigrants. According to the report, 46-year-old Dong Mei Yuan and 40-year-old Guing Xu, both of Appleton, are under the federal retainers. Officials say both could face deportation after their local cases are completed. ...
