Two men are accused of trafficking women for sex at two Massachusetts "massage parlors" set up as fronts for illicit activity, state Attorney General Maura Healey announced on Tuesday.
Stephen C. Forsley, 65, of Bernardston, and Liu Yang, 61, of Springfield, were indicted by a statewide grand jury on charges including trafficking of persons for sexual servitude, money laundering, and deriving support from prostitution.
The defendants were arrested in January following a months-long joint investigation by Massachusetts State Police, the Attorney General's Office, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and the Springfield Police Department. It's unclear if they have attorneys.
During the investigation, authorities discovered evidence indicating that Forsley and Yang ran a profitable and organized criminal enterprise. They allegedly used the Day Spa and the Health and Relaxation Spa, both "massage parlors" in Springfield, as fronts for human trafficking. The businesses also allegedly offered sexual activity between women and clients in exchange for a fee.
The Attorney General's office reportedly found thousands of dollars in cash at the businesses and at Yang's residence.
Attorney General Healey's Victim Services Division is working with victim service organizations to ensure victims have the assistance and services they need.
