RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. – A series of raids on human trafficking rings across Arkansas resulted in multiple arrests, authorities said.
Across 12 locations in Jonesboro, Russellville, Hot Springs, Rogers, Harrison, and Little Rock, Operation Obscured Vision, headed by Attorney General Tim Griffin, arrested three people for 2nd-degree promoting prostitution and one for 2nd-degree sexual assault. They offered 17 victims help from advocates.
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According to Griffin, each person allegedly involved was a Chinese national on an asylum visa. Victims, ages 29 to 65, stated they were advertised jobs in America but did not know what it would lead to.
“One of the 17 victims said she is forced to work at an illicit massage parlor just so that we know what we’re talking about here 13 hours a day seven days a week, every day,” Griffin said.
Russellville Police Department executed three of the 12 search warrants Thursday at Angel Massage and Beautiful Angel on Main Street as well as Sweet Massage on Knoxville Avenue.
Because of the ongoing criminal investigation, the business permits for these locations were revoked at RPD’s request.
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Jeff Terry lives in Russellville and said learning that the alleged crimes happened in his city disappoints him.
“I hate to say it but a lot of people in town kind of expected it,” Terry said “Like, they kind of expected there might be some sketchy things going on there.”
Many locations stayed open until 9:30 p.m. During the raids, authorities seized Chinese currency, a luxury vehicle and nearly $70,000. Some money they suspect had been sent back to China.
“We are going to continue to do this around the state, but they are woven into a network that goes far beyond our borders,” Griffin said.
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“Hopefully the girls and women that have been here get the help they need to get their lives back on track,” Terry concluded.
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