2 cited after authorities search massage parlors in Sullivan County - WCYB

[WCYB]

SULLIVAN COUNTY, Tenn. (WCYB) — Two people have been cited after authorities searched multiple massage parlors recently, according to the Sullivan County Sheriff's Office.

The sheriff's office stated that search warrants were executed at the following locations on April 8:

• Great Wall Foot Massage, 4307 Fort Henry Dr., Kingsport – SCSO Special Operations Unit
• KT Foot Spa, 1101 E. Stone Dr., Kingsport – SCSO Special Operations Unit
• Chinese Therapy, 1135 Volunteer Pkwy., Bristol – Bristol TN Police Specialized Investigations Division
• Chinese Therapy, 1990 Highway 394, Bristol – Bristol TN Police Specialized Investigations Division

In addition, a worksite visit was made to Chinese Pressure Massage on West Stone Drive in Kingsport. This resulted in Hong Diao, 56, and Yunixa Li, 57, both of Kingsport, being cited for engaging in massage without a license.

According to the sheriff's office, the businesses were under investigation for alleged prostitution and operating without proper massage therapy licenses.

The investigation remains active. Patrons of the locations were recorded and identified and detectives are in the process of contacting them.

The sheriff's office added that anyone who has visited these businesses and would prefer to speak to detectives by phone can call 423-323-8367 or the Bristol Tennessee Police Department at 423-989-5568.

The coordinated effort was supported by the Second Judicial District Attorney General’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the Community Coalition Against Human Trafficking, and the Branch House Family Center of Sullivan County.