TOMS RIVER — A New York woman accused of managing a Route 37 massage business where sexual services were offered for money faces three criminal charges after investigators seized cash and froze a bank account, according to court documents obtained by Jersey Shore Online.
Linda Pei, 61, of Flushing, is charged with promoting prostitution, maintaining a nuisance and possessing money allegedly derived from criminal activity. The complaint was issued Oct. 30 in Toms River Municipal Court.
Pei was arrested on November 9 and remains at the Ocean County Jail.
Investigators searched K&M Acupressure and Massage at 213 Route 37 East, Suite 9, on Oct. 19, according to an affidavit supporting the charges. Authorities identified Pei as the business’s manager and allege she managed an operation where sexual services were exchanged for cash.
During the search, investigators seized approximately $9,376 and found condoms and lubricants, which the affidavit described as evidence connected to suspected prostitution.
Authorities subsequently froze a Bank of America account containing approximately $2,515.74 that investigators allege came from criminal activity. The complaint identifies a combined $11,891.74 as suspected proceeds from the operation.
The nuisance charge alleges Pei maintained conditions that endangered public health or safety by managing the alleged prostitution business.
Jersey Shore Online recently reported similar charges against In S. Hwang, 67, of Palisades Park, the manager of New Day Spa on Route 166. Investigators seized cash and froze bank funds totaling approximately $9,977.45 in that case.
Police also announced six people were charged in “Operation Lucky Kitty,” a nearly nine-month prostitution and money laundering investigation involving township massage businesses. Searches of four Toms River establishments and a Fort Lee residence yielded approximately $115,944 in cash, police said. Authorities did not identify the defendants or businesses in that announcement nor have they confirmed if this or any of the other cases are connected.
The charges are accusations, and all defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
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