YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio—Three women have been indicted by a Mahoning County grand jury following a yearlong investigation into massage parlors allegedly operating as fronts for illicit activity. The investigation, led by the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force, uncovered evidence linking the women to illegal operations in Beaver and Springfield townships.
The indictment, announced Thursday, charges Aixin Cheng of Virginia, Jinzhi Gong of Illinois, and Man Ryung Yeo of Flushing, New York, with multiple felonies, including engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, conspiracy, money laundering, promoting prostitution, and possession of criminal tools. Additionally, each faces a solicitation charge, a third-degree misdemeanor.
Detectives executed seven search warrants at the massage parlors and hotel rooms associated with the suspects. According to investigators, large sums of cash were funneled through various bank accounts tied to the women, further solidifying connections to the alleged criminal enterprise.
“This indictment is the result of diligent, collaborative work by the task force and its partner agencies to dismantle illicit operations that exploit vulnerable individuals,” Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said.
The Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force, which is part of the Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission, includes members from multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office, the Austintown Police Department, and the Youngstown Police Department. Several local and state agencies also assisted with the investigation.
