Four human trafficking victims rescued from massage parlors in southern Indiana - WHAS11.com

[Xan Dorsey]

A woman is now in custody and facing charges.



JEFFERSONVILLE, Ind. — Four human trafficking victims were rescued from two massage parlors in southern Indiana, according to a release from the Jeffersonville Police Department.


They say tips from the community helped initiate an investigation and uncovered suspicious activity at Eva Massage in the 1000 block of East 10th Street.


On Monday at 10 a.m., officers from several southern Indiana police departments carried out search warrants at the locations.


Four victims were rescued from two businesses: Eva Massage in Jeffersonville and Island Breeze Therapy Massage in New Albany.


The victims were given medical attention and support services.


"These are some of the most vulnerable people that get victimized in these human trafficking types of cases as they come here, a lot of times, under work visas, looking for work," said Samuel Moss, chief of detectives at the Jeffersonville Police Department. "These type of incidents there, they operate in plain sight, and that's what makes them so tough. And a lot of times, even the victims that are involved don't even know they're being victimized."


Investigators were able to confirm their victimization in both labor and sex trafficking.


Xing Song, 62, was arrested and charged with felony promoting human sexual trafficking, felony promoting prostitution and felony corrupt business influence.


Moss said Song had previously been charged with promoting prostitution, outside of Clark County.


"A prostitution charge isn't going to shut these places down," he said. "They can immediately turn around, change the name of the business, or not even change the name necessarily, and reopen the very next day. And so when you get charges of this magnitude, it's a huge win for us and it's a huge win for the community."


If you have information regarding this crime please contact The Jeffersonville Police Department Detective Division at (812) 285-6535 or Dispatch Center at (812) 283-6633.


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