Law enforcement made four arrests on prostitution charges at Watertown massage parlors after a sting by the Watertown Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). The Watertown Police sent out the following press release:
On Friday, November 8, 2019, the Watertown Police Detective Division assisted by the FBI Boston Division Child Exploitation-Human Trafficking Task Force and members of the Massachusetts Division of Professional Licensure Investigations conducted an undercover operation of massage parlors in Watertown.
The goal of the operation was to identify establishments that do not comply with local, state and federal regulations, as well as to identify potential minor and adult victims of human trafficking.
These inspections resulted in the arrest of the following individuals, all on charges related to sexual conduct for a fee:
- Worarat Soontronwatee (age 30) of Malden arrested at Season Therapy, 12 Belmont St.
- Sandy Ferchiou (age 51) of Boston, arrested at Sukhothai, 8 Riverside St.
- Jifen Zuo (age 46) of Arlington, Pa., arrested at Nuu Spa, 2 Mount Auburn St.
- Xunlan Zhang (age 38) of Flushing, N.Y., arrested at Orange Tree, 220 Waverley Ave.
This operation did not identify any human trafficking evidence; however, we continuously work with our local, state and federal partners to keep our community safe. We also thank the public for assisting our efforts by providing tips of non-legitimate businesses operating as massage parlors.
It would be helpful to know the names and locations of these massage parlors so that innocent potential customers could feel safe using them. Otherwise, this notice would make most people avoid all locations in Watertown.
The names and locations of the massage parlors are listed after the names if the suspects.
Anyone can go there and NOT ask for a happy ending. No one needs to be afraid.
Bravo to law enforcement. Well done. That said, law enforcement needs laws with teeth to shut down the business and pull the license. These arrests affect only alleged “bad apple” employees who can be quickly replaced. And seedy shady business continues as usual. There should be a way to shut down the business. Perhaps a city bylaw or state law that one or more violations of this nature shuts down this business? License holders and Owners of property should be held responsible for what happens on their property. Is this a job for state reps? City Councilor?
Yes, the business owners and customers should be the ones to face penalties, not the women who are being exploited.
Actually knowing the name of the massage parlors that allow this activity would be helpful so we who get legitimate massage won’t go there. Then maybe they will go out if business. Were that shut down?
Parlor names are after the suspect names
Some of the locations are right in the middle of a square or intersection. 2 Mt. Auburn, 12 Belmont Street, corner of Waverly & Orchard and one apartment building. Wow!
Right, these are visible from the street and even have signage in their windows. In fact most have been there for years. The fact that no one except the patrons knew or cared illustrates how silly the laws against this activity are. Most of us didn’t have a clue it was happening until this article was published.
I think you are wrong. I actually think many people knew about some of these businesses. I had heard numerous people talk about the one at the intersection of Orchard and Waverley and the ongoing speculation that it was being used this way.
I do think any men involved should be NAMED AND SHAMED along with the women that work there. I would say it’s pretty obvious that these women are being forced to do this for the owners.
Did they arrest any of the men soliciting their services or have they considered the women to be the primary criminals? Ridiculous double standard.
Good question. In past stings like this a police officer posed as a customer and made the arrest when illegal services were offered.
Why don’t some of the female cops try to work there posing as masseuses and then arrest the customers?
That would be entrapment. It’s illegal.
Doesn’t that depend on who is asking for the illegal services?
Thank you FBI and WT PD. Good job! People from NY and PA coming to Watertown to run a brothel. Why?
The title of this article, coupled with the specific FBI division (Child Exploitation-Human Trafficking Task Force) is extremely misleading. If no minors or human trafficking was identified, why are those two phrases a main focus of this tiny article?
Title should read “Consenting adults busted for sex-money exchange.”
Sorry but in 2019, there are way more important crimes to be dealing with as undercover operations.
It is unfair to assume these businesses or locations are bad. If somehow this happened at the library would you stop going to the library?
Also – while human trafficking is gross, let’s not victmize people who choose to include sexual acts as part of their services.
It’s conceivable that a “massage” of this type is mutually beneficial and not a form of abuse.
Watertown….
Where the Hookers go.
Lol @ all these “who knew” comments. Hint : a “legit” massage parlor doesnt have neon signage, shades covering the windows, and multiple security cameras over the entrance.