3 Sentenced For Running Brothel In DeKalb

DORAVILLE, GA — Three Chinese nationals have been sentenced to prison for running a brothel in Doraville, where they lured women from across the country to serve as sex workers.

Xiaohong "Michelle" Huang, Chan Kong Chow, and Biyun Gong were sentenced in U.S. District Court in Atlanta. Huang, 45, faces two years, nine months in federal prison and must forfeit a large home in Johns Creek, cash, jewelry and other items.

Chow, 59, was sentenced to one year, nine months in prison and Gong, 54, faces one year, three months.

"Interstate prostitution is a serious crime that exploits women and harms our community," said U.S. Attorney Byung J. "BJay" Pak. "Brothels remain a blight in segments of our communities. The prosecution of these defendants, the seizure of significant assets, and the dedication of law enforcement resources in targeting this long-running criminal scheme are a warning for others engaged in this conduct."

The three pleaded guilty in the case in July.

According to their charges, Huang ran the brothel at a large apartment complex in Doraville from December 2005 to May 2017. Chow and Gong helped her by managing day-to-day operations of the brothel.

The three lured women of Asian descent to travel to Georgia from across the United States, including California and New York, to work at the brothel. Huang advertised the business online and by word-of-mouth.

Prosecutors say they flew women into Atlanta about every 10 days on a rotating basis. They say Huang kept money fro the brothel in three different banks and laundered more than $150,000 made at the brothel.

After they serve their sentences, Huang, Chow and Gong will be transferred to the custody of the Department of Homeland Security for deportation, federal prosecutors said.

Photo via Shutterstock