LUBBOCwhoTexas – A mother and son are awaiting extradition to Lubbock after massage parlor workers in Texas and New Mexico were caught offering “illegal commercial sex,” officials said.
Officials said Shaoping Wen, 64, and his accomplice, Xu Wang, 41, were charged with conspiracy to use interstate travel in support of racketeering enterprises. According to the US Attorney’s Office (USAO), the two were arrested in New Mexico on March 21 and made their first court appearance in Las Cruces on Wednesday. The two are expected to travel to Lubbock soon to face trial in federal court.
A criminal complaint alleges that Wayne owned and operated at least seven massage parlors where “Asian women engaged in commercial sex,” according to a press release. Wen’s son Wang managed the parlor for him when he was out of town.
According to a press release, at least 10 times between June 2023 and February 2024, undercover officers purchased $60 massages at Wayne’s parlors in Texas and New Mexico. Officials said officers are usually greeted by women in underwear, who offer to have sex with them for an additional fee. Officials said the women typically charge between $140 and $200 and use translation apps to negotiate services.
When the women were arrested for prostitution, they identified themselves as Chinese nationals and listed their occupation as “laborer,” USAO said. Officials said Wen or Wang showed up on multiple occasions to pay their cash bonds.
“Officers also observed Ms. Owen’s vehicle transporting Asian women directly from the airport to her massage parlor,” the press release said. “Neighbors said the women never left the building.”
Authorities searched the parlor and found beds on the floor, where the women were advised to live.
“On at least one occasion, a passerby heard a woman screaming and entered the parlor to check-in,” USAO said. “He saw three women between the ages of 30 and 50 wearing provocative clothing.”
According to officials, investigators discovered that parlors advertised on the sites were often used to advertise commercial sex. The posts advertise “girlfriend experiences”, “porn star experiences” and “fantasy outfits on request”.
Lubbock, Woolforth, Clovis and Roswell police departments assisted the FBI and Homeland Security in the investigation. Assisted other agencies, including the Lubbock County Sheriff’s Office
