HARRISBURG — Attorney General Dave Sunday and the Pennsylvania State Police announced charges against the owner of two Lancaster County spas — alleged fronts for commercial sex operations.
Lijin Chen, 38, was arrested Thursday on numerous charges, including felony counts of corrupt organizations, promoting prostitution, and dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities. Bail was set at $100,000.
According to an investigation by the Office of Attorney General’s Human Trafficking Section and the state police, Chen owned Calm Spa in Manheim and Cozy Spa in Mount Joy since 2023. She is charged with advertising online the spas for commercial sex, and investigators conducted surveillance confirming commercial sex acts happened at both locations.
“Our surveillance of these locations revealed that these purported spas were used for commercial sex dates, often arranged online,” Attorney General Sunday said. “With the filing of serious criminal charges, these businesses will no longer be scourges to the community.”
Investigators spoke with numerous individuals as they left the spas, and they admitted to receiving sex acts for “tips” — ranging between $100 and $200.
Chen transported women (sex workers) to both locations, in her own vehicle and by using ride-share services.
The investigation is ongoing.
The case will be prosecuted by the Office of Attorney General’s Human Trafficking Section. Criminal charges, and any discussion thereof, are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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