Toby Landry, left, during a press conference to announce several arrests involving prostitution, pandering and human trafficking Wednesday, February 13, , at the Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Offfice in Lafayette, La. At least one woman picked up Tuesday in a Lafayette Parish prostitution bust is believed to be the victim of sex trafficking.
Eight people were arrested Tuesday night on counts ranging from human trafficking to operating a place of prostitution in a roundup at five massage parlors and three residences, Lafayette Parish Sheriff Mark Garber said during a news conference Wednesday. The arrests, Garber said, followed a month investigation launched in response to numerous complaints from business owners and residents.
An email has been sent with a link to confirm list signup. Nine people were originally picked up, Garber said, but one woman said she was forced into prostitution as part of a human trafficking operation. He thanked Faith House shelter for assisting the woman and the U. Department of Homeland Security for providing a Chinese translator.
Can't see video below? Click here. Xufang Ou, 33, block of Guilbeau Road, Lafayette, was booked on a count of human trafficking and four counts of pandering. Zhao Chen, 46, of New York, and Houqin Tang, 55, Kaliste Saloom Road, Lafayette, were booked on counts of pandering, operating a place of prostitution and keeping a disorderly place.
Renjie Jang, 31, block of West Congress Street, Lafayette, was booked on two counts of pandering and one count of operating a place of prostitution. Pingjuan Xia, 36, block of Chimney Rock, Lafayette, was booked on one count of pandering.
