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Court OKs custodians for trader in prostitution case
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Posted on Sep 09 2005
The U.S. District Court approved Thursday the proposed third-party custodians for a businesswoman who faces a criminal charge for allegedly recruiting workers who were forced to engage in prostitution.
Chief Judge Alex R. Munson ruled that Zheng Ming Yan, also known as Li-Na, could be released from custody upon meeting the required conditions of her pre-trial release. The conditions include a secured $50,000 bond and the surrender of her passport to the CNMI Superior Court.
After Thursday’s hearing, though, the judge remanded the defendant to the custody of the U.S. Marshal.
The judge approved Agapita and Jose M. Borja as Zheng’s custodian when the defendant is released on bail. The court has set Zheng’s trial beginning Oct. 24.
Meanwhile, Zheng’s attorney, G. Anthony Long, asked the court to dismiss the case or, alternatively, compel the government to produce certain documents. Long argued that the court lacked jurisdiction over the case.
The defendant had denied the charge of interstate travel for purposes of prostitution.
Federal prosecutors accused Zheng of forcing at least three Chinese workers from Dalian, China to work as prostitutes, using her Saipan karaoke bar as front. The workers include Lian Wei, Chi Xiumei, and Wei Qiuxiang.
Zheng reportedly operates five businesses on Saipan under two corporations—Great Corp., also known as Greate Corp., and Perfect Corp. The businesses include the Tea House Club Karaoke, 369 Noodle House, Real Live Fish Restaurant, Chan Ming Market, and Golden Cut Hair Salon—all located in Garapan.
In a complaint filed earlier in court, Federal Bureau of Investigation special agent James Barry said all the workers were promised legitimate jobs with a pay rate of $7 per hour. When they arrived, though, the defendant allegedly made them work as prostitutes.
The defendant allegedly paid nothing to Lian and Chi for their first six months; and Wei, her first four months. Barry said the defendant started to pay the workers afterwards, but not at the promised hourly rate and with unlawful deductions. (John Ravelo)
