Four people have been arrested on prostitution charges in the Los Angeles area after authorities allege women were being recruited from China to work in brothels, the L.A. Times reported.
Immigration and Customs Enforcement said the arrested follow a nine-month investigation. The alleged brothels were operating out of condominiums in Monterey Park and San Gabriel and relied on word-of-mouth and personal referrals to lure customers for sex.
The defendants are accused of immigration fraud, including using fake documents and false marriages to recruit women. Some of the women had valid student visas. The four suspects arrested are facing numerous charges, including conspiracy to import and harbor aliens for prostitution, conspiracy to commit marriage fraud and pimping and pandering.
"Illegal ventures like this degrade the quality of life in our neighborhoods as well as the women involved," said Claude Arnold, special agent in charge of ICE's office of Homeland Security Investigations in Los Angeles. "ICE will continue to work closely with its law enforcement partners to attack and dismantle these kinds of enterprises that prey on the vulnerable and often bring other criminal activity into the area."
Those facing conspiracy charges should always consult with an experienced federal defense lawyer in Los Angeles. Conspiracy charges carry the same penalty as the underlying crime but are much easier to prove, making them a favorite of federal prosecutors. Additionally, being convicted of a crime while in the United States on a visa will result in deportation.
If you are facing charges in connection with prostitution in Los Angeles, contact Rodriguez, Lewis & Kahn for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights.
