SMPD's Bust at Brothel Nets an Arrest
MEDIA RELEASE / COMMUNITY ALERT
For Immediate Release No. 20230228-012
Tuesday, February 28, 2023
SMPD's Bust at Brothel Nets an Arrest
San Mateo, CA - Approximately one month ago, the San Mateo Police Crime Reduction Unit (CRU) initiated an investigation into a suspected brothel at a business located at the 100 block of De Anza Boulevard. On two occasions, SMPD officers working in an undercover capacity sought massages and were offered sexual services for the exchange of money.
On February 24, 2023, at approximately 2:00 p.m., CRU with the assistance of SMPD Detectives served a search warrant at the location after an undercover officer confirmed prostitution was in fact occurring at the business. During the investigation, SMPD determined the owner of the business, later identified as Liping Yao, negotiated sexual acts for money. A search of the premises yielded evidence of prostitution activity and municipal code violations. SMPD arrested Yao; officers issued her a citation for prostitution and maintaining a brothel. SMPD officers offered human trafficking resources to Yao and an employee who was on scene during the execution of the warrant.
The San Mateo Police Department is aware of the dangers and evils of human trafficking and remains committed to ensuring the safety of all our community members. The department continues to devote resources and time to assist the victims of human trafficking and to apprehend the criminals who prey upon those victims. Additionally, the department works with the San Mateo County Human Trafficking Program to provide assistance to victims of human trafficking.
Our request to the community “If you see something, say something” is critical in terms of human trafficking. We are thankful for our community members who continue to get involved and act as our “eyes and ears.” The following is a list of some key “red flags” that could alert you to a potential trafficking situation that should be reported:
- Employee living with employer
- Poor living conditions
- Inability to speak to individual employee alone
- Answers to questions appear scripted and/or rehearsed
- Employer retains identity documents of employees
- Physical abuse by employer
- Employees appear unusually submissive and/or fearful
The following are some helpful websites and resources if you know someone who may be a victim of human trafficking or would like additional information about human trafficking:
National Human Trafficking Hotline: https://humantraffickinghotline.org/en
San Mateo County Human Trafficking Program: https://stophumantraffickingsmc.org/what-is-human-trafficking-2/
ARRESTED
Liping Yao, a 43-year-old San Jose resident
Charges: Prostitution (647(b) PC) and maintaining a brothel (315 PC)
MEDIA CONTACT
Alison Gilmore
Public Information Officer | Support Services
City of San Mateo Police Department
200 Franklin Pkwy, San Mateo, CA 94403
650-522-7626 | [email protected]
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Address/Location
San Mateo, CA Police Department
200 Franklin Pkwy
San Mateo, CA 94403
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 650-522-7700
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