The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported on Friday that 10 women were arrested as a result of a statewide operation targeting six spa and massage businesses, with all 10 facing charges including prostitution, promotion of prostitution, and impersonating a licensed professional.
Those charged with crimes related to their alleged conduct at the businesses include Lifang Zeng, Yajing Yang, Yin He, Xiaomei Zhao, and Zenga Xie. TBI said that five additional women, Can Yan, Ronghua Zhang, Zengxiu Xie, Xillian Xie, and Yan Fu, are all being held on an immigration detainer requested by federal authorities.
According to TBI, the arrests followed months of investigation and took place at establishments in the Murfreesboro, Columbia, Chattanooga, Kingsport, and Cookeville areas.
The Columbia Police Department confirmed its participation in the investigation, as well as the involvement of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the U.S. Department of Justice, and the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH).
In a statement, Columbia Police Chief Jeremy Haywood appeared to suggest the cases may involve human trafficking.
“Our officers and investigators will continue to work diligently to identify and hold accountable those who commit crimes within our city,” stated Haywood. “We remain especially committed to investigating crimes involving human trafficking and protecting individuals who may be victims of exploitation.”
The Putnam County Sheriff’s Office also confirmed its participation in the investigation, when it also revealed that Yajing Yang has additionally been charged with impersonation of a licensed professional while being held in jail for ICE.
Putnam County Sheriff Eddie Farris stated, “We will continue using every investigative resource available to combat prostitution and human trafficking, identify potential victims, and hold those involved accountable.”
The statewide operation came about nine months after similar arrests in Wilson County, where law enforcement said they worked with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and FBI to make multiple arrests at a Mount Juliet massage business.
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Tom Pappert is a 2025 recipient of the Dao Prize and the lead reporter for The Tennessee Star. He also reports for the Star News Network. Follow Tom on X. Email tips to [email protected].
Photo “Arrest” by Oregon Department of Transportation. CC BY 2.0.
