Seven Charged in Multi-County Prostitution Ring

Authorities allege organized prostitution ring operated spas in at least five New Jersey counties, generating over $500K in illicit proceeds

Seven individuals have been charged in connection with a large-scale prostitution ring that allegedly operated out of massage parlors across New Jersey and New York, following a multi-agency investigation led by the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice, the Office of the Attorney General, and law enforcement partners in New York.

Jessica Yan Xiong, 50, of Oakland Gardens, New York, is accused of orchestrating the enterprise, with associates spanning both states. The network allegedly managed multiple illicit spas under the guise of massage businesses, generating more than $500,000 in illegal proceeds between October 2023 and December 2025. The charges include first-degree racketeering, first-degree money laundering, and promoting prostitution, among other related offenses.

“Sophisticated and lucrative criminal networks such as this one thrive on exploitation and manipulation, and they cannot be allowed to operate in our communities,” said Attorney General Platkin. “Our investigators and attorneys in the Division of Criminal Justice worked relentlessly to determine the sprawling extent of this operation, and then take it down, making our neighborhoods safer.”

According to the criminal complaints and court statements, Xiong allegedly operated Yan’s Massage and Reiki in Newfoundland, New Jersey, as an illegal massage parlor beginning in October 2023. Despite previous arrests for prostitution-related offenses at the location and subsequent shutdowns, authorities say Xiong—through assistance from her landlord, Ricardo Botti of Oak Ridge, and others—continued to run the spa covertly. Botti, 56, is charged with racketeering, money laundering, and promoting prostitution, allegedly helping Xiong maintain operations and pass local inspections.

Also charged is Zongan Lin, 50, of Lake Hiawatha, who allegedly used his massage license to obtain business credentials for multiple spas operated by Xiong and others. These included Star Massage and Reiki in Hillsborough, Kyoto 14 in Passaic, and Violet Spa in Williamstown. Lin held the business licenses and is also accused of enabling operations by legitimizing them through his credentials.

Other charged defendants include:

Zitian Zhang, 34, of New Hyde Park, NY, allegedly managed multiple locations with Xiong and oversaw finances and day-to-day operations.
Thowleong Chew, 43, and Min Li, 41, both of Flushing, NY, accused of transporting women and supplies between spas and from New York to New Jersey.
Alfredo Sibaja-Sanchez, 53, of West Milford, NJ, who allegedly worked under Botti and helped ensure the Newfoundland spa remained operational.

Authorities report that Xiong also ran JW Holistic Spa in Fair Lawn and Sunny Spa in New Brunswick, both allegedly used for prostitution. Investigators placed the locations under surveillance, observing frequent male visitors and identifying online reviews that made explicit references to sexual services provided at each business.

Financial records reviewed in the investigation revealed over $300,000 in cash deposits across accounts linked to Xiong, despite no indication of legitimate employment. At least $72,000 was used to pay for operational costs, including rent and advertising, according to prosecutors. Search warrants executed on December 2, 2025, at multiple locations in New Jersey and New York resulted in the seizure of more than $150,000 in U.S. currency and further evidence supporting the allegations of illegal activity.

“Prostitution is not a victimless crime,” said DCJ Director Theresa L. Hilton. “The defendants in this case are charged with exploiting women for profit and putting them at risk. This lengthy and complex investigation shows we will not stand by while that happens.”

The case was investigated by Detective Isabella Rodriguez (DCJ), Detective David Reiff (NJ Office of Homeland Security and Preparedness), and officers with the West Milford Police Department. Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin credited cooperation from the Queens District Attorney’s Office and the New York City Police Department.

The most serious charge—first-degree racketeering—carries a sentence of 10 to 20 years in prison and fines of up to $500,000. Defendants also face charges of promoting organized crime, money laundering, and promoting prostitution, with penalties ranging from third-degree to first-degree offenses.

All charges at this stage are accusations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.