A Harrison woman is one of four people arrested statewide during a crackdown on human trafficking, specifically at illicit massage parlors. Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin said in a press release Friday afternoon 54-year-old Haiyan Lu of Harrison has been arrested on a charge of second degree promoting prostitution. Harrison Police Chief Chris Graddy told KTLO, Classic Hits and The Boot News Lu has not been booked into jail on the charges yet.
According to a Facebook post by the city of Harrison, Assistant Police Chief John Cagle told the city council Thursday night about an arrest at the massage parlor where an employee was a victim of sex trafficking.
Cagle says they received a tip from the fire department’s code enforcement officer about a month and a half ago after they inspected the business located on U.S. Highway 62/65/412 North. It has been shut down since the arrest Thursday.
Cagle said Friday afternoon additional information has been discovered but cannot be released yet as the investigation continues.
In Griffin’s news conference, he says the victims are between the ages of 29 and 65 and all Chinese nationals. He said many of the women working in the massage parlors were coerced to do so. One victim told investigators she was forced to work 13 hours per day, seven-days per week.
Warrants were also executed at illicit massage parlors in Jonesboro, Rogers, Russellville, Hot Springs and a Little Rock Hotel. Two women in Jonesboro and one in Rogers were also arrested.
Law enforcement seized nearly $70,000 during the operation. Additionally, ¥1,870 in Chinese currency was seized in Russellville. A Mercedes-Benz vehicle was seized in Rogers.
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