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A six-month investigation into an alleged prostitution operation spanning Peachtree City, Tyrone, Atlanta, and other locations has resulted in charges under Georgia’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act and other prostitution-related charges, the seizure of more than $400,000, and the identification of nine people as potential victims of human trafficking.
About 100 federal, state, and local law enforcement officers simultaneously executed search warrants at nine locations on September 29, according to Lt. Brad Milstein, commander of the Peachtree City Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division.
The investigation was conducted by the Peachtree City Police Department’s Crime Suppression Unit, with assistance from the Georgia Bureau of Investigation’s Human Exploitation and Trafficking Unit, known as HEAT, and the Tyrone Police Department. Numerous other federal, state, and local agencies assisted with the investigation and September 29 operation.
Milstein said the businesses involved were connected to the same alleged criminal organization and that the investigation had been underway for more than six months.
Four businesses associated with the investigation were identified by police:
- Oak and Stone Massage, 1952 E. Highway 54, Suite 300, Peachtree City
- Serene Spa, 602 Dogwood Trail, Suite F, Tyrone
- Healing Massage, 105 St. Stephens Court, Tyrone
- Ivy Massage, 2165 Cheshire Bridge Road SE, Suite 4, Atlanta
Police said search warrants were executed at nine locations associated with the investigation, although the department has so far identified those four businesses publicly.
RICO and prostitution-related charges
Five people were initially arrested and charged as a result of the investigation, according to information provided by Milstein.
Yuhan Zhang is charged with violation of the Georgia RICO Act, pimping, and keeping a place of prostitution.
Yang Wu is charged with violation of the Georgia RICO Act, pimping, keeping a place of prostitution, masturbation for hire, and prostitution.
Haoran Zou is charged with violation of the Georgia RICO Act, pimping, and keeping a place of prostitution.
Charles Shetterly is charged with violation of the Georgia RICO Act.
Yuhong Wei is charged with violation of the Georgia RICO Act, pimping, and keeping a place of prostitution.
Anthony Ramsey was initially wanted on an outstanding arrest warrant for an alleged violation of the Georgia RICO Act. Milstein confirmed September 30 that Ramsey is now in custody.
Nine potential trafficking victims identified
Victim advocates and interpreters from the GBI and Homeland Security Investigations were present during the execution of the warrants.
Police said nine people encountered during the operation were identified as potential victims of human trafficking. They were provided access to victim-assistance services and resources.
Investigators also seized more than $400,000 in U.S. currency and eight vehicles believed to be associated with the alleged criminal enterprise. Bank accounts associated with the investigation were frozen through legal process, according to police.
The operation involved agencies across metro Atlanta and beyond. In addition to Peachtree City police, the GBI, Tyrone Police Department, and Homeland Security Investigations, assisting agencies included the Gwinnett County Police Department, Union City Police Department, City of South Fulton Police Department, Coweta County Crime Suppression Unit, and Fayette County Sheriff’s Office.
Griffin Judicial Circuit District Attorney Michael Rogers and Assistant District Attorney Jeffery Ellington also assisted in the investigation.
The investigation remains active. Police said additional arrests and charges could result as investigators continue reviewing evidence obtained during the investigation and the September 29 searches.
All people charged with crimes are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
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