A West Covina woman has been sentenced to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty to two charges of conspiring to use interstate commerce to promote prostitution. She was also charged with using the proceeds of the operation to purchase real estate.

As part of the plea agreement, Jong Ock Mao must also forfeit real estate assets and other property valued at more than $10 million, which the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency says was acquired with proceeds from Mao’s operation. Mao’s operation was called “one of the most lucrative prostitution schemes ever uncovered in Southern California” by Robert Schoch, the agent in charge of the Los Angeles ICE office.

According to investigators, Mao began her operation in a number of massage parlors in the 1990’s. Under the guise of offering acupuncture, chiropractic services, massages and training, Mao instead offered sexual services in five California locations and one location in Dallas.

Three other individuals were also indicted with Mao in April 2006 for helping Mao to obtain bogus business licenses, money laundering, conspiracy and overseeing the daily operation of the businesses. Two of the defendants have pleaded guilty in the scheme. A third defendant is being held pending the start of his trial, currently scheduled for February 24, 2009.

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Mr. Helfend has nearly 25 years’ experience in providing effective, aggressive defense in major and minor criminal matters. When your freedom, your rights and your property are at stake, you need the skills of an aggressive defense attorney like Robert Helfend.

Photo Credit: Salvatore Barbera