NEWPORT – Police obtained a warrant for the arrest of a 50-year-old man in connection with a human trafficking investigation at a spa.
Jiang Xiu Yu is facing one count of permitting a place to be used for prostitution and related offenses.
The arrest warrant stems from an investigation that began in early September after the Newport Police Department received a tip from the Concord Regional Crimeline regarding the operation of Harmony Wellness Spa, located on John Stark Highway, the department announced in a news release on Thursday.
Officers then conducted background research on the business through the New Hampshire Office of Professional Licensure and Certification, the Newport Town Office of Planning and Zoning and through state and federal law enforcement partners.
Police also “conducted covert surveillance of the establishment and interdicted suspected criminal activity coming and going from there,” the news release stated.
Sullivan Superior Court granted a warrant after officers developed probable cause to search the establishment for evidence of trafficking in persons and prostitution, according to the release.
On Thursday, Newport police, in coordination with deputies from the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office and federal agents from Homeland Security Investigations, executed the search warrant “without incident,” according to the release.
“Any identified victims of sex trafficking were offered medical services and other supports from the Sullivan County Attorney Victim/Witness Program,” the release stated, adding that the Newport Fire Department also inspected the facility for health and safety violations.
Police are actively conducting interviews and processing evidence.
As police seek to arrest 50-year-old Jiang Xiu Yu, additional arrests and charges are anticipated, the release stated.
Police are asking anyone with information about this investigation or the whereabouts of Yu to contact Detective Sergeant Alexander Marvin at (603) 863-3232 or amarvin@newportnh.gov.
