Four women charged in prostitution sting operation

The four suspects, arrested at four different establishments, were identified as:

• Ru Shui Dan, 51, of Venice (Tai Chi Massage)

• Shan Qin, 65, of Flushing, New York (Lotus Massage)

• Liu Longju, 48, of unknown address (Golden Massage)

• Qiangwei Dong, 49, of North Miami, (Calla Massage)

All four suspects have been charged with engaging in or soliciting prostitution, as well as receiving citations for violations of the state health code.

In addition, Longju was also charged with one count of misrepresenting herself as a licensed masseur.

Sheriff Bill Prummell stated in the news release that there are still open cases involving “several individuals” that CCSO is attempting to locate.

“We know what you’re doing and how you operate,” Prummell warned in the release. “Be forewarned, it’s only a matter of time. It is our duty to protect our citizens and we will not tolerate any type of sex trafficking within our county lines.”

The investigation was conducted by CCSO’s Narcotics Unit and Warrants Unit, focusing on local establishments claiming to be massage parlors. They were assisted by the FBI Human Trafficking Task Force and the Florida Department of Health, with the goal of looking into reports of prostitution and “potential human trafficking.”

Authorities said each of the four suspects were identified after CCSO received “numerous tips” regarding criminal activity at self-identified massage parlors.

“Many of these businesses are fronts for illegal prostitution operations which unfortunately happens throughout the country,” the news release read.

CCSO also published a video on their Youtube channel, showing each of the suspects being handcuffed by deputies.

CCSO Community Affairs Supervisor Skip Conroy noted in the video legitimate massage therapists exist in Charlotte County and prospective patients should feel free to seek them out.

“We encourage you to seek licensed and certified professionals,” Conroy said in the video.

One of the supects, Qiangwei Dong, was previously arrested on Jan. 3 for allegedly attempting to solicit sexual acts for pay without her client’s consent.

When confronted by deputies at the time, according to her previous arrest report, Dong claimed the client was the one who pressured her into prostitution. Despite her claim, deputies determined her to be the aggressor and charged her with two counts of prostitution and one count of battery.

Authorities noted in the news release Dong had been charged five separate times since Oct. 7 last year for alleged acts at her business location.

Dong and Longju are currently being held at Charlotte County Jail on no bond. Dan has since been released on $500 bond, while Qin was released on $1,000 total bond.