A New York woman, alleged more than a year ago to have managed a Methuen house of prostitution, pleaded not guilty Wednesday to related charges in Essex County Superior Court.
At her arraignment, 39-year-old Suping Zhu answered to charges of trafficking a person for sexual servitude, deriving support from prostitution, and keeping a house of prostitution.
As WHAV reported more than a year ago, Methuen Police obtained a search warrant to enter Beauty Garden Spa, 5 Wallace St., Methuen, after receiving complaints from nearby resident. Officers said they conducted surveillance and undercover operations. The matter was originally heard in Lawrence District Court.
Zhu is alleged to have managed the spa where female workers were allegedly living and performing sexual acts for fees during massages. Judge Brett A. Tingle kept bail at $25,000 and the condition she surrender her passport. The judge also ordered Zhu to stay away from and have no contact with any victims or witnesses.
Last year, Methuen Police said they notified the Methuen Department of Health, Human Services and Inspections, which ordered the business closed citing “the unlawful habitation of individuals within a commercial premises lacking the requisite residential facilities and accommodations necessary to support lawful occupancy.”
More recently, YWCA Northeastern Massachusetts took over the same property to be used as a space for victims of sex crimes, domestic violence and human trafficking to meet with counselors and advocates and host workshops for survivors.
Assistant District Attorney Kevin Hennessey is prosecuting the case on behalf of the Essex County district attorney’s office. Zhu was represented by attorney James McCall.