WILMINGTON, DE — The owner of a Wilmington-area spa has surrendered to authorities and now faces multiple felony charges in an ongoing human trafficking investigation that previously resulted in the arrest of the business’s operator.
According to the New Castle County Division of Police, 53-year-old Meilan Quan of Claymont turned herself in at police headquarters on July 27. Investigators allege Quan owned Crystal Spa, located in the 1700 block of Foulk Road, and was wanted in connection with an investigation into suspected human trafficking and illicit activity at the business.
Quan was charged with three counts of human trafficking involving forced labor, two counts of human trafficking involving sexual servitude, promoting prostitution in the second degree and conspiracy in the second degree.
Police reported that Quan was arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court 11 and committed to the Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution after failing to post $75,000 secured bail.
The investigation began in May when detectives with the New Castle County Police Drug and Human Trafficking Investigations Team launched an inquiry into suspected criminal activity at Crystal Spa.
According to investigators, detectives executed a search warrant at the business on July 15, where they identified Nan Son Yim, 71, of Flushing, New York, as the spa’s operator. Police allege they also identified three women, ages 47, 54 and 56, as victims of human trafficking who were allegedly forced to work 12-hour shifts, seven days a week, without proper compensation.
During the search, detectives reported seizing $15,975 in cash, bulk quantities of condoms and other items they allege were consistent with the operation of an illicit massage business.
Yim was charged with three counts of human trafficking involving forced labor, two counts of human trafficking involving sexual servitude, promoting prostitution in the second degree and conspiracy in the second degree. She was committed to the Delores J. Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution after failing to post $108,000 cash bail, according to police.
Police also charged Thomas Hofer, 78, of West Chester, PA, and Jesse Wasmer, 45, of Kingsville, Maryland, with misdemeanor counts of attempting to commit patronizing a prostitute. Both men were released on their own recognizance following arraignment.
The New Castle County Division of Police said the investigation remains active as detectives continue pursuing leads and identifying and supporting potential victims. Anyone with information about suspected human trafficking is asked to contact the department’s Human Trafficking Hotline at 302-395-2727.
All suspects, arrestees, and defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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