Smyrna Police detectives recently arrested two individuals at the culmination of a years-long human trafficking and prostitution investigation, officials said Tuesday.
Authorities said on December 9, 2019. in the early morning hours, detectives executed search warrants on a residence in the 100 block of Holly Ridge Drive and at the Kiki Spa located in the unit block of E Commerce Street.
Officers took James Walls, 61 of Smyrna and Sha Shen, 64 of Smyrna into custody. Officials said a search of the residence and business yielded numerous pieces of evidence relevant to this investigation.
Detectives determined that over a period of time, both suspects were using victims trafficked into the country illegally to engage in prostitution and other sex acts at their business the Kiki Spa, according to police.
Officers partnered with Homeland Security Investigators, the Salvation Army, Zoe Ministries, Garden Hope of New York and Restore New York to help offer resources to the victims of human trafficking discovered during this investigation.
This collaborative effort between law enforcement, human services, and other non-profit program providers was able to help make this a victim-centered case, ensuring that those people affected by these criminal acts received all the possible support available to them.
Walls and Shen were presented via video court on charges of; 2 counts Human Trafficking, Person knowingly acquires, maintains an interest in, conceals, possesses, transfers, or transports the proceeds of criminal activity, Promoting prostitution, and Conspiracy 2nd. Both suspects were committed to the Dept. of Corrections in lieu of $70,000 cash bond each pending a future preliminary hearing.
