Alleged ringleader of North Strabane sex parlors heading to trial
The accused ringleader of two North Strabane spas, which police claim were used as sex parlors for months before the alleged illicit operation was busted in January, will head to trial on all charges.
Walter Mock Jr., 59, of North Strabane, agreed to waive his right to a preliminary hearing Tuesday before District Judge James Saieva Jr., and he will stand trial on felony charges of corrupt organizations, dealing in proceeds of unlawful activities, criminal use of a communication facility and promoting prostitution.
He is accused of operating two North Strabane spas that police raided on Jan. 23, leading to him and four women being charged with running a prostitution ring. Jin Spa at 142 McClelland Road and Wan Spa at 2215 Hill Church Houston Road were closed by North Strabane police and state police following a lengthy investigation that began Oct. 1 after police received multiple tips about alleged activity at the spas.
Jin Wang, 53, Yan Miao, 51, and Saizhu Ouyang, 49, all of North Strabane, and Ying Luo, 52, of Houston, are also awaiting trial in connection with the prostitution case.
Police said Mock, who is accused of being one of the “organizers and principals” of the alleged illicit businesses, transported the women between both spas, and he also allegedly retrieved mail at both locations almost on a daily basis. He is free on $100,000 cash bond while he awaits trial.