Arrest made in connection with Baton Rouge massage parlor case

BATON ROUGE, La. (Louisiana First) — A man was arrested Monday in connection with an investigation into a Baton Rouge area massage parlor with a history of violating licensing laws and allegations of prostitution.

Kewei Xu, 47, of Maryland, was charged with one count of promoting prostitution, two counts of pandering, and three counts of engaging in the practice of massage therapy without a license. The sheriff’s office noted that he was previously arrested in Maryland on a human trafficking charge.

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Investigators determined that Xu was the person who leased Y & L Body Relaxation on Airline Highway. The business has also used the name Rainbow Spa Li, Inc.

An affidavit states that an investigation started in December 2024 into allegations of human trafficking and prostitution. Investigators from the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office obtained copies of inspection reports from the Louisiana Board of Massage Therapy (LBMT), which showed several cease-and-desist orders issued dating back to 2018.

“Despite the past arrests made for prostitution, not having the proper license or permits to operate a business in East Baton Rouge Parish, and being issued several cease-and-desist orders, the business continues to operate and has a total disregard for the law,” an affidavit said.

Arrest documents said violations included license violations and workers living and sleeping at the business. Investigators said several illicit advertisements with sexual innuendos and erotic images were found online.

A search warrant was executed on June 11, the same date U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents detained 10 Chinese nationals after an operation at nine local massage parlors. Y & L Body Relaxation was identified as one of the businesses investigated.

According to documents, arrest warrants for five others were submitted in this case. Louisiana First News has contacted the East Baton Rouge Sheriff’s Office for clarification on arrests made as of Tuesday.

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