TOMS RIVER — A massage parlor manager accused of operating a prostitution business on Route 166 remains in the Ocean County Jail after investigators seized cash and froze a bank account containing thousands of dollars in alleged criminal proceeds.
In S. Hwang, 67, of Palisades Park, faces charges of promoting prostitution, maintaining a nuisance and possessing proceeds allegedly derived from criminal activity, according to court documents obtained by Jersey Shore Online.
The charges stem from an October 19 search at New Day Spa, located at 1231-7 Route 166. Investigators identified Hwang as the person managing the establishment, according to an affidavit of probable cause filed in Toms River Municipal Court.
Police allege the massage parlor offered sexual services in exchange for cash. The complaint accuses Hwang of promoting prostitution by managing or operating the business.
During the search, officers reported finding condoms and lubricants, which investigators described in the affidavit as evidence connected to prostitution. Authorities also seized approximately $4,300 in cash from inside the establishment.
A Wells Fargo bank account containing approximately $5,677.45 was subsequently frozen, according to the affidavit. Investigators allege those funds were derived from criminal activity associated with the business.
Together, the seized cash and frozen bank funds totaled approximately $9,977.45, the amount cited in the criminal complaint.
The nuisance charge alleges Hwang knowingly maintained a condition that endangered the safety or health of a considerable number of people by operating a massage parlor where sexual acts were exchanged for money.
A judicial officer found probable cause to issue the complaint-warrant October 30. Hwang remains in custody at the Ocean County Jail.
The case follows an earlier prostitution charge against Hwang in Bergen County.
In a March 2, 2019, report, Daily Voice identified Hwang as one of three women charged following an undercover investigation at 17 Spa on northbound Route 17 in Carlstadt. Carlstadt police, assisted by officers from South Hackensack, sent undercover officers into that business as customers, according to the report. Police said employees offered sexual services in exchange for money.
The current charges are accusations, and Hwang is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
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