Asheville, August 29, 2025
News Summary
Jianmei Gao, a spa owner from Flushing, New York, has been arrested in Asheville following complaints of illegal activities at her massage parlors. The Asheville Police Department initiated an investigation after receiving multiple community reports about suspected prostitution. Gao’s previous establishment, Hope Massage, was shut down for operating without a license, while her current business, Healing Massage, is under scrutiny. The investigation continues as authorities gather evidence and seek public assistance in reporting suspicious activities.
Asheville
A local spa owner from Flushing, New York, has been arrested following an investigation into illegal activities at massage parlors in Asheville. Jianmei Gao, 55, faces multiple charges after complaints from the community indicated that the establishments were involved in prostitution.
The Asheville Police Department (APD) began the investigation after receiving numerous reports of suspicious behavior at two massage parlors. Gao previously managed Hope Massage on Hendersonville Road, which was shut down in March for operating without a proper license. The current focus of the investigation is Gao’s ownership of Healing Massage on Tunnel Road.
Compounding the situation, Gao reportedly attempted to interfere with the ongoing investigation. In July, she made contact with an APD detective, proposing to provide “assistance” and insider information regarding law enforcement activities. It is alleged that she offered the detective bribes that amounted to thousands of dollars over two months.
Authorities executed a search warrant at Healing Massage, where detectives gathered evidence pertinent to the case. The investigation remains ongoing, indicating the potential for further charges against Gao. The APD is urging anyone with information related to these incidents to report it by calling (828) 252-1110 or using the TIP2APD app.
Related Arrests in South Carolina
In a separate but related incident, an employee named Ping Hua Wang was arrested at VIP Massage Parlor in Florence, South Carolina, during an undercover operation aimed at addressing suspected prostitution activities. Concurrently, another undercover investigation at Golden Fingers Massage Parlor in Aiken, South Carolina, led to two arrests on prostitution charges. The case was triggered by a report from a handyman who claimed he was offered sexual services as payment for work, which he declined.
The Aiken County authorities are concerned that the Golden Fingers Massage Parlor is not complying with local and state regulations regarding massage services, and over the past few years, multiple businesses in Aiken County have been raided due to similar claims of illegal conduct. Previous undercover operations in the area resulted in arrests across seven massage parlors in August 2023.
Community Response and Ongoing Investigation
The ongoing measures by the Asheville Police Department reflect a broader initiative to crack down on illegal activities associated with massage parlors, which have become a focal point for complaints within the community. Authorities continue to monitor these establishments closely, given that similar investigations have yielded notable results in other areas, such as Aiken County.
The Asheville community is encouraged to participate in the reporting of suspicious activities as the APD works to ensure the safety and compliance of local businesses.
FAQs
What charges is Jianmei Gao facing?
Jianmei Gao is arrested in connection with illegal operations and suspected prostitution at her massage parlor.
What prompted the investigation into the massage parlors?
The investigation was initiated following multiple community complaints about suspected illegal activities at the parlors.
What was the outcome of the search warrant at Healing Massage?
During the search, detectives collected evidence that may lead to further charges against Gao and possibly others involved.
Are there similar investigations happening in other areas?
Yes, related arrests and investigations are ongoing in South Carolina, with similar patterns of illegal activities being addressed by local law enforcement.
Overview of Key Events
| Date | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| March | Hope Massage shut down | Hendersonville Road, Asheville |
| July | Gao contacted an APD detective | Asheville |
| August 2023 | Previous operations led to multiple arrests | Aiken County, South Carolina |
| April 14 | Arrests made at Golden Fingers Massage Parlor | Aiken, South Carolina |
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Additional Resources
- WYFF4
- Midcoast Villager
- WSOC TV
- WRAL
- WRDW
- Wikipedia: Prostitution in the United States
- Google Search: massage parlor prostitution South Carolina
- Google Scholar: prostitution crackdown massage parlors
- Google News: massage parlor prostitution
Author: STAFF HERE ASHEVILLE WRITER
The ASHEVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAsheville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Asheville, Buncombe County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Asheville Bread Festival, LEAF Festival, and mountain sports tournaments at Biltmore Estate. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and Explore Asheville Convention & Visitors Bureau, plus leading businesses in hospitality and brewing that power the local economy such as the Biltmore Estate and Sierra Nevada Brewing Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
