By Lea Kahn, Staff Writer
LAWRENCE — An eight-month-long investigation into human trafficking, or prostitution, netted the arrests of three New York City residents on prostitution-related charges at the Red Roof Inn on Brunswick Pike Aug. 21.
Kevin I. Jasper, 56, and Jianying Chen (also known as Jianying C. Collins), 48, both of New York City, were each charged with one count of human trafficking and three counts of promoting prostitution, according to the Lawrence Township Police Department.
Hong Wang, 38, also of New York City, was arrested and charged with two counts of engaging in prostitution, police said.
Mr. Jasper and Ms. Chen allegedly transported numerous Asian women from New York City to the Red Roof Inn to engage in prostitution, police said. The money was turned over to Mr. Jasper and Ms. Chen, who used various online escort sites to promote their activity.
Mr. Jasper and Ms. Chen were taken to the Mercer County Corrections Center on $150,000 bail. Ms. Wang was issued a summons and released. The investigation is ongoing, and police are attempting to identify additional victims.
The Lawrence Township Police Department led the investigation, aided by the Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office and the Department of Homeland Security’s Investigation and Enforcement Removal Operations.
