Prostitution Ring Busted

On December 16, 2009, members of the Pasadena Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) and the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) completed a two year investigation culminating in the arrest of six people involved in an elaborate prostitution ring.

An anonymous lead left on a tip line at the police department led to the discovery of a multi million dollar “In Call” prostitution ring that was using several high end apartment units in Pasadena and Irvine with multiple female prostitutes.

Li Chen, female 32 from Temple City, and Thanh Ly, male 35 from Temple City, who lead this illicit enterprise were both arrested for Pimping and Pandering.  Bail was set at 2 million dollars for each suspect and both are still in custody pending a preliminary hearing.

“Prostitution is not a victimless crime as some would argue,” says Interim Chief of Police Christopher Vicino.  “It negatively impacts the quality of life and the very fabric of the community.  The neighborhoods and apartments where these crimes were committed will ultimately be safer for the families that live in them.”

Pasadena Police and Federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigators seized cash, automobiles, and jewelry and other property, all profits of the ongoing enterprise.  “We thank our Federal partners.  An operation of this size and magnitude would have not have been easy for a department our size to undertake,” says Chief Vicino.  And, most importantly, we have to give credit to the community members who called in.  Without their eyes, ears, and reports we can’t get the information we need to pursue criminals.  The community is truly the front line of law enforcement.”