ROANOKE COUNTY, VA — New information revealed during a court hearing Tuesday is shedding more light on the investigation into eight suspected illicit massage parlors across Roanoke County that resulted in 13 people being charged last month.
A judge denied bond Tuesday, November 10, for Xiuying Li, 53, of Texas, who was arrested in connection with the investigation at Summer Body Work on Williamson Road.
Li faces a charge of maintaining a bawdy place, a term used under Virginia law for an establishment associated with prostitution or lewd activity.
Prosecutors argued that Li’s connections to Texas made her a potential flight risk. The judge agreed that ensuring her return to court could present significant difficulties if she left the area.
WHAT INVESTIGATORS SAY THEY FOUND
According to information presented during the investigation, police discovered several items inside Summer Body Work that raised suspicions about the business’s activities.
Authorities reported finding:
$3,121 in cash concealed inside linens in a massage room.
A plastic bag containing approximately 20 condoms.
A room arranged more like a bedroom than a typical massage treatment area.
An English-language reference sheet containing phrases such as “do you hurt” and “do you have a girlfriend.”
Police also reported that the women arrested in connection with the investigation are Chinese nationals.
EIGHT BUSINESSES INVESTIGATED — 13 PEOPLE CHARGED
The larger investigation began following complaints from citizens about suspected illegal activities at massage businesses throughout Roanoke County.
On October 12, investigators executed search warrants at eight establishments along Williamson Road, Brambleton Avenue, Peters Creek Road and Electric Road.
The operation resulted in 13 people being charged, along with the seizure of three vehicles and more than $44,000 in cash.
Police also reported locating individuals they identified as victims inside the establishments. Those individuals were removed and offered assistance and resources.
Authorities have previously raised concerns about possible human trafficking connected to the operations, although the full circumstances remain under investigation.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
Li remains in custody following Tuesday’s bond hearing and is expected to return to court.
Other women arrested in the investigation are also awaiting further court proceedings. One woman had been granted bond but had reportedly not posted it as of Tuesday.
The charges remain allegations, and those accused are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
The investigation continues as authorities work to determine the full scope of the suspected activities.
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REPORTING CREDIT: WDBJ7 reporter Madeleine Ahmadi was present for Tuesday’s court hearing. Some details in this report were obtained from her courtroom coverage.