In a sweeping crackdown on illegal activities within Polk County massage parlors, local law enforcement executed “Operation Skin So Soft,” leading to the arrest of 21 individuals allegedly involved in prostitution and other unlawful practices. The investigation, conducted by undercover detectives, targeted establishments suspected of offering illicit services rather than legitimate massage therapy. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd underscored the operation’s mission:
“We want our communities to be safe and free from illegal activities, and criminals who take advantage of people. These arrests are part of our ongoing efforts to hold those who break the law accountable.”
The investigation involved undercover officers attempting to book standard massages at 22 parlors across Polk County. During the sting, 20 massage therapists allegedly offered illegal services, according to police reports. In total, 12 parlors were found to be non-compliant with county regulations, engaging in prostitution or other unlawful activities. Sheriff Judd maintained a firm stance, stressing that his office will continue audits and regulatory enforcement to ensure these establishments operate within the law.
“We’re focused on keeping our neighborhoods safe,”
Judd stated,
“and we’ll keep cracking down on businesses that operate outside the law.”
Among those arrested, most were reportedly foreign nationals from China, with only three confirmed U.S. citizens. Judd expressed his concerns over misuse of work visas by some of the accused, describing how federal work permits were allegedly exploited to enable illegal activities.
“I don’t think the federal government had in mind this kind of work when they gave them a work visa,”
Judd commented. Polk County authorities are working with federal agencies to investigate visa misuse, with potential consequences including visa revocation and deportation for those found in violation.
The arrested individuals ranged in age from 31 to 64, with some identifying themselves as transient workers who frequently move between cities and states. This “circuit,” as Sheriff Judd described it, involves rotating shifts at various establishments rather than consistent local employment. Of the 21 arrested, most had only recently begun working in Polk County, with one residing in Lakeland while the others indicated more temporary stays. A few cases highlighted the risks encountered during the investigation, including a 37-year-old woman who allegedly attempted to prevent an undercover detective from leaving and then tried to hold him down.
Operation Skin So Soft: Arrested Individuals and Charges
| Name | Age | Charges | Parlor Name | Address |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Qiuhua Zhang | 50 | Offering to commit prostitution, Unlicensed massage therapy | Xi Xi Spa | 7554 Cypress Gardens Blvd., Winter Haven |
| Jinxia Huang | 36 | Offering to commit prostitution, Unlicensed massage therapy, Battery, False imprisonment | Xi Xi Spa | 7554 Cypress Gardens Blvd., Winter Haven |
| Rose Wang Walker | 61 | Offering to commit prostitution | New Coast Spa | 28079 U.S. 27, Dundee |
| Hongxin Yang | 54 | Offering to commit prostitution | New Coast Spa | 28079 U.S. 27, Dundee |
| Qui Qiaojun | 31 | Offering to commit prostitution, Unlicensed massage therapy | Queen Day Spa | 1947 21st St NW, Winter Haven |
| Li An | 51 | Offering to commit prostitution, Unlicensed massage therapy | Queen Day Spa | 1947 21st St NW, Winter Haven |
| Shuangyan Hu | 41 | Offering to commit prostitution, Unlicensed massage therapy | Health Asian Massage | 1122 6th St NW, Winter Haven |
| Xuekun Lin | 49 | Offering to commit prostitution, Unlicensed massage therapy | Health Asian Massage | 1122 6th St NW, Winter Haven |
| Ying Lin | 48 | Offering to commit prostitution | Shangrila Massage Spa | 1134 1st St S, Winter Haven |
| Xiu Lin | 55 | Resisting arrest | Shangrila Massage Spa | 1134 1st St S, Winter Haven |
| Baohua Zhang | 51 | Offering to commit prostitution | New Oriental Massage | 6000 Lucerne Park Rd, Winter Haven |
| Yanfei Ye | 53 | Offering to commit prostitution | Top Oasis Massage & Spa | 1975 E Edgewood Dr, Lakeland |
| Ruifen Ren | 64 | Offering to commit prostitution | Top Oasis Massage & Spa | 1975 E Edgewood Dr, Lakeland |
| Shixin Zhang | 56 | Offering to commit prostitution | I-Spa Massage | 1114 Mayflower Dr, Lakeland |
| Hong Xia Sok | 50 | Offering to commit prostitution, Resisting arrest | Ocean Massage Star | 127 E Alamo Dr, Lakeland |
| Yihua Yu | 42 | Offering to commit prostitution, Lewd behavior | Ocean Massage Star | 127 E Alamo Dr, Lakeland |
| Zhuling Liu | 32 | Offering to commit prostitution | Lucky Asian Massage | 3234 S Florida Ave, Lakeland |
| Fenghua Jiang | 58 | Offering to commit prostitution | Lucky Asian Massage | 3234 S Florida Ave, Lakeland |
| Yan Luo | 64 | Offering to commit prostitution | Eastern Massage | 105 Allamanda Dr, Lakeland |
| Jinfeng Mu | 59 | Offering to commit prostitution | Eastern Massage | 105 Allamanda Dr, Lakeland |
| Yuling Zhang Collins | 57 | Offering to commit prostitution | Sun Spa | 110 Polo Park East, Davenport |
Sheriff Judd issued a stern warning to residents about the risks posed by frequenting these parlors, reminding the public that law enforcement may be watching, with potential surveillance footage capturing patron visits. “Stay out of these places,” he cautioned, emphasizing that regular audits of these businesses are in place to discourage illegal activities. Judd also noted the presence of new regulations requiring massage parlors to keep detailed records of both clients and therapists—a rule that several establishments failed to follow, possibly resulting in additional regulatory charges.
While County Sheriff Judd acknowledged that the majority of massage parlors in the area comply with the law, the investigation revealed serious violations in record-keeping and regulatory compliance in others. “Operation Skin So Soft” underscores the sheriff’s commitment to preserving community safety and curbing unlawful activity within Polk County’s businesses.
