Amherst spa allegedly housed prostitution

The Amherst Police District's Human Trafficking Task Force and Alliance believe an Amherst woman was operating a massage parlor where women took money for sexual acts.

Yan Liu, 48, is accused of enticing a woman to travel in interstate commerce for purpose of prostitution and to engage in sexual activity for which she could be charged with a criminal offense.

Police believe that Liu owns or operates Rainbow Spa, 1404 Sweet Home Road, and the Asian Greenday Spa, 550 Center Road in West Seneca, where it is alleged that women working at the two locations performed numerous sexual acts for customers and were paid in "tips" for these services while the parlor's base massage fee was paid to Liu.

Liu appeared in U.S. District Court on March 5 for a status of a counsel hearing.

The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 year's imprisonment, a fine of $250,000, or both.

Amherst police were assisted in the investigation by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, West Seneca Police Department, New York State Police, U.S. Border Patrol, FBI and the Erie County Sheriff's Office.

The Amherst Building Department is also investigating code violations. Rick Andrews, senior fire inspector, said the building at 1404 Sweet Home Road is not zoned for adult use, required for all massage parlours. Also, the facility does not have a New York State license, required for operation.

Andrews also said women were living and cooking at the spa, which is not allowed according to Town Code.

The town is also continuing its investigation.