Buckeye Reporter

A yearlong investigation by the Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force has resulted in the indictment of three women accused of operating illicit massage parlors. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost and Mahoning County Sheriff Jerry Greene announced the charges.

The indictment, issued on December 5 by a Mahoning County grand jury, names Aixin Cheng from Virginia, Jinzhi Gong from Illinois, and Man Ryung Yeo from Flushing, New York. The charges against them include engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity (F1), conspiracy (F2), money laundering (F3), promoting prostitution (F4), and possession of criminal tools (F5). Additionally, they face charges of solicitation, a third-degree misdemeanor.

The task force's investigation linked the three women to massage parlors in Beaver and Springfield townships where sexual services were allegedly exchanged for money. Detectives executed seven search warrants at these parlors and hotel rooms rented by the suspects. It was established that large sums of cash were funneled through various bank accounts.

The Mahoning Valley Human Trafficking Task Force operates under Yost’s Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission and is led by the Mahoning County Sheriff’s Office. It includes representatives from several law enforcement agencies including Austintown Police Department, Youngstown Police Department, Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Ohio Investigative Unit, East Palestine Police Department, Adult Parole Authority, Salem Police Department, and Columbiana County Sheriff’s Office.

Assistance in the investigation was provided by Beaver Township Police Department, Springfield Township Police Department, Poland Village Police Department, Mahoning County Prosecutor’s Office, and the Ohio Department of Public Safety.

It is important to note that indictments are criminal allegations and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.