NAUGATUCK, CT — A spa owner turned herself in to police March 11 on charges of human trafficking and prostitution-related offenses following a months-long investigation.
Yiqing Zhang, 44, of New Haven, was charged with trafficking in persons, permitting prostitution and promoting prostitution in the second degree.
The Naugatuck Police Detective Bureau began investigating Cedar Health Therapy Spa at 25 Cedar Street in November after receiving several complaints regarding prostitution activity.
Police conducted surveillance on the business that confirmed the activity, and two employees were previously arrested.
The continued investigation identified Zhang as the sole owner of the business.
Police said Zhang exercised control over the business operations, premises and employees who were engaged in sexual acts, thereby profiting from the activity.
Zhang employed foreign workers who were not properly licensed as masseuses in Connecticut, according to police.
Naugatuck Police detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Zhang.
Zhang turned herself in to Naugatuck Police on March 11, 2026.
She was held on a $1.5 million court-set bond and was arraigned in Waterbury Superior Court the morning of March 11, 2026.
