Xiaohong Huang also known as Michelle , Chan Kong Chow and Biyun Gong were all sentenced after pleading guilty in July to conspiring to operate an interstate prostitution ring involving money laundering, U. Attorney BJay Pak said. The prosecution of these defendants, the seizure of significant assets, and the dedication of law enforcement resources in targeting this long-running criminal scheme are a warning for others engaged in this conduct.
According to prosecutors, Huang operated a brothel at a large apartment complex in Doraville between December through May of last year. Chow and Gong helped her by managing the day-to-day operations of the business. The defendants enticed women of Asian descent to travel to Georgia from states such as California and New York to work as commercial sex workers at the brothel, prosecutors argued. Huang advertised her business online and by word-of-mouth.
The defendants regularly used cell phones to communicate with women who worked as sex workers at the brothel and with their male clients. The defendants also arranged for the women to travel to the brothel on commercial flights into Atlanta about every 10 days on a rotating basis. She then used that money from the business to pay expenses related to the operation of the brothel. Attorney's Office added. Huang, 45, of China, received two years and nine months in federal prison.
As part of her sentence, she will have to forfeit a "large" residence in Johns Creek, cash, jewelry and other expensive items, the U. Chow, 59, also hailing from China, was given a one year, nine-month federal prison sentence. Gong, 54, also of China, received one year and three months in federal prison. Once they complete their sentences, they will be transferred to the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations for deportation proceedings.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance from the Department of Homeland Security. Assistant U. Attorneys Richard S. Moultrie, Jr. Hobson prosecuted the case. Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. Kristal Dixon , Patch Staff. Find out what's happening in Johns Creek for free with the latest updates from Patch. Community Corner Jan
