JACKSON TWP. − A New York man operating a township spa is facing a prostitution-related charge.
The Stark County Sheriff's Office charged Aizhu Chen of Brooklyn with promoting prostitution, a fourth-degree felony, in connection with activity at Jaili Spa.
Chen, 55, was arrested on Aug. 21. He appeared in Massillon Municipal Court on Aug. 24 for his arraignment.
When reached for comment on the case, Sheriff's Office spokesperson Connie Deibel said in an email that the department cannot comment due to the ongoing investigation.
Court documents accuse Chen of operating and managing "a massage business with purpose to facilitate engagement in sexual activity for hire."
An attorney wasn't listed for Chen. His preliminary hearing is set for Aug. 31.
Chen is the second individual charged this year with promoting prostitution at a spa in Jackson Township. Qi Zhang of Flushing was indicted by a Stark County grand jury in May in connection with activity at the former Swan Spa.
Zhang pleaded guilty earlier this month to an amended charge of operating a massage establishment without a permit, and received a 180-day suspended jail sentence and $500 fine.
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Sheriff's Office charges New York man with promoting prostitution at Jackson Twp. spa