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NJ husband and wife admit role in illicit massage parlor conspiracy
A Palisades Park husband and wife admitted to conspiring to promote prostitution at massage parlors in New Jersey and New York, federal prosecutors said.
Zhejun Piao, 38, and Miyeon Choi, also known as “Maya,” 38, each pleaded guilty Tuesday in Trenton federal court to conspiracy and racketeering-related charges.
Federal prosecutors said Choi admitted she was a leader or organizer of a conspiracy involving nine massage parlors, including locations in Paterson, Passaic, Fairview, Edgewater, East Brunswick, Toms River and New Rochelle, New York.
Prosecutors said women at the spas provided sexual services to paying customers for $160 or $175. Some workers lived at the spas, which typically operated from about 8 a.m. to midnight, seven days a week.
Choi admitted to recruiting women, booking appointments, controlling money generated by the spas and advertising sexual services online, prosecutors said. Piao admitted to delivering supplies to the spas and collecting ledgers, receipts and cash proceeds.
Authorities said the couple stored tens of thousands of condoms and about $1.2 million in cash at their home. As part of their guilty pleas, they agreed to forfeit the cash, designer handbags, luxury watches and jewelry.
The charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 6.