Putnam County Couple Accused Of Running Prostitution Ring

PUTNAM COUNTY, NY — A Putnam Valley couple is accused of operating a prostitution business at massage parlors in Putnam, Westchester and Queens counties in New York.

Hong Ru Lin, a/k/a "Bruce," and Kena Zhao, a/k/a "Angela," were arrested Thursday and presented before U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith C. McCarthy.

"This indictment puts an end to an alleged extensive commercial sex enterprise that exploited countless women and repeatedly violated U.S. laws," FBI Assistant Director in Charge James Smith said in an announcement. "Let these charges be a message to anyone who seeks to exploit women for monetary gain, the FBI is committed to protecting victims, and will always bring their predators to justice."

According to the allegations in the indictment unsealed in White Plains federal court, between at least September 2020 and the present, Lin and Zhao managed a roster of women who worked at the massage parlors and performed sexual acts for the customers.

Prosecutors alleged they used cellphones and private chatrooms to manage and operate the business, including: communicating with potential customers, assigning particular employees to customers, monitoring the income of their prostitution business, and setting performance goals for the women who worked in the massage parlors.

In addition, on at least one occasion, Zhao personally participated in a massage during which a sexual act was offered to a customer, prosecutors alleged.

"We will continue to work with our federal and local law enforcement partners to keep these types of crime out of Putnam County," Putnam County Sheriff Kevin McConville said.

Lin, 50, and Kena Zhao, 45, were charged with violating the Travel Act and conspiring to violate the Travel Act. Each of these counts carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

The statutory maximum potential sentences are prescribed by Congress and are provided here for informational purposes only, as any sentencing of the defendants will be determined by a judge.

The charges contained in the Indictment are merely accusations, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Damian Williams, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, praised the work of the FBI’s Westchester County Safe Streets Task Force and the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office. Williams also thanked the Town of Carmel Police Department, the Westchester County Police Department, and the Yonkers Police Department for their assistance in this matter.

Mr. Williams noted that the investigation is ongoing. If you feel you may be a victim of or have information related to the conduct in this case, please contact the FBI Tip Line at 1-800-CALL-FBI or at tips.fbi.gov.