Two Arraigned in Connection With Human Trafficking Enterprise With Bedford Ties

The two individuals arrested Monday in connection with a human trafficking enterprise that spans the borders of several area communities, including Bedford, were arraigned Tuesday in Somerville District Court, according to a press release from Attorney General Martha Coakley. 

Xiu J. Chen, 32, of Medford, and Ronald Keplin, 57, of Woburn, were arraigned on the following charges:

• One count each of trafficking of persons for sexual servitude 
• Six counts each of deriving support from prostitution 
• One count each of keeping a house of ill fame 

Both Chen and Keplin pleaded not guilty to the charges at their arraignment, according to the release.

Judge Neil Walker set bail at $250,000 for both Chen and Keplin, with the conditions that they surrender their passports, remain on home confinement and be monitored by a GPS device if they are released on bail, according to the release. 

Authorities allege that Chen and Keplin operated six area businesses portrayed as massage parlors that were fronts for their human trafficking operation. The businesses are:

• Bedford Asian Bodywork (Bedford Wellness Center) in Bedford
• Shrine Spa (Billerica Bodywork or Boston Chinese Club) in Billerica
• Mystic Health Center in Medford
• Body Wellness Center in Reading
• Body Language in Wilmington
• Asian Bodywork (Woburn Wellness Bodywork) in Woburn