Methuen, Massachusetts, September 29, 2025
News Summary
Authorities shut down the Beauty Garden Spa in Methuen, Massachusetts, following complaints and a police investigation that unveiled human trafficking activities. The spa’s manager, Suping Zhu, was arrested with several charges, including trafficking for sexual servitude. Investigations revealed living conditions for two women in the basement, prompting local officials to commit resources to combat human trafficking. Mayor D.J. Beauregard emphasized a crackdown on businesses involved in such exploitation, marking a new phase of enforcement in the city.
Methuen
Lead
A massage parlor on Wallace Street in Methuen, Massachusetts, was closed after a police search and its manager was arrested later in September on charges that include human trafficking-related offenses. The closure and arrest came after complaints from residents and a multiagency investigation that included undercover work and surveillance. Local officials described the action as the start of an intensified effort to identify and stop human trafficking and sexual servitude in the city.
Key developments
The Beauty Garden Spa on Wallace Street in Methuen, Massachusetts, was closed following a police search on September 4.
Suping Zhu, the 38-year-old manager from Flushing, New York, was arrested on September 25.
Charges against Zhu include deriving support from prostitution, keeping a house of ill fame, and trafficking a person for sexual servitude.
Police discovered living quarters for two women in the basement during the investigation.
It was reported that more charges could be forthcoming.
Investigation and enforcement
Complaints from residents initiated the police investigation into the spa. The investigation included undercover work and surveillance before obtaining a search warrant. Methuen police collaborated with multiple agencies, including ICE, Homeland Security Investigations, and others, during the investigation.
Zhu is scheduled to appear in Lawrence District Court on Monday following her arrest. The spa has remained closed since the police operation.
Local reporting and neighborhood accounts
Beth Foote, a neighbor, reported unusual activity at the parlor, noting the arrival of women on buses from New York and New Jersey and observing clients visiting the spa throughout the day.
Foote remarked that the women living in the basement were often seen only when receiving supplies, indicating they might not have been free to come and go.
Official response and context
Mayor D.J. Beauregard declared a war on human trafficking in Methuen, pledging to shut down any businesses profiting from such activities and to hold landlords accountable.
Police Chief Scott McNamara stated that this operation marks the beginning of an aggressive campaign against human trafficking and sexual servitude in the city. Chief McNamara emphasized the need for justice, stating that human trafficking is not a victimless crime and vowed to pursue all involved in the exploitation.
The crackdown follows a two-year documentation effort by residents to report suspicious activities to authorities.
What happened next
It was reported that more charges could be forthcoming as investigators continue to review evidence and coordinate with partner agencies. Officials indicated the city will pursue both criminal accountability and actions aimed at stopping businesses that profit from alleged exploitation.
Documented statements and findings
The Beauty Garden Spa on Wallace Street in Methuen, Massachusetts, was closed following a police search on September 4.
Suping Zhu, the 38-year-old manager from Flushing, New York, was arrested on September 25.
Charges against Zhu include deriving support from prostitution, keeping a house of ill fame, and trafficking a person for sexual servitude.
Police discovered living quarters for two women in the basement during the investigation.
It was reported that more charges could be forthcoming.
Mayor D.J. Beauregard declared a war on human trafficking in Methuen, pledging to shut down any businesses profiting from such activities and to hold landlords accountable.
Police Chief Scott McNamara stated that this operation marks the beginning of an aggressive campaign against human trafficking and sexual servitude in the city.
Complaints from residents initiated the police investigation into the spa.
The investigation included undercover work and surveillance before obtaining a search warrant.
Beth Foote, a neighbor, reported unusual activity at the parlor, noting the arrival of women on buses from New York and New Jersey and observing clients visiting the spa throughout the day.
Foote remarked that the women living in the basement were often seen only when receiving supplies, indicating they might not have been free to come and go.
Methuen police collaborated with multiple agencies, including ICE, Homeland Security Investigations, and others, during the investigation.
Zhu is scheduled to appear in Lawrence District Court on Monday following her arrest.
Chief McNamara emphasized the need for justice, stating that human trafficking is not a victimless crime and vowed to pursue all involved in the exploitation.
The spa has remained closed since the police operation.
The crackdown follows a two-year documentation effort by residents to report suspicious activities to authorities.
FAQ
What happened to the massage parlor?
The Beauty Garden Spa on Wallace Street in Methuen, Massachusetts, was closed following a police search on September 4.
Who was arrested in connection with the case?
Suping Zhu, the 38-year-old manager from Flushing, New York, was arrested on September 25.
What charges does the manager face?
Charges against Zhu include deriving support from prostitution, keeping a house of ill fame, and trafficking a person for sexual servitude.
Were victims found at the location?
Police discovered living quarters for two women in the basement during the investigation.
Are there likely to be additional charges?
It was reported that more charges could be forthcoming.
What prompted the investigation?
Complaints from residents initiated the police investigation into the spa.
How did police conduct the investigation?
The investigation included undercover work and surveillance before obtaining a search warrant.
Did neighbors notice anything unusual?
Beth Foote, a neighbor, reported unusual activity at the parlor, noting the arrival of women on buses from New York and New Jersey and observing clients visiting the spa throughout the day.
Did neighbors describe conditions for those found on site?
Foote remarked that the women living in the basement were often seen only when receiving supplies, indicating they might not have been free to come and go.
Which agencies were involved in the investigation?
Methuen police collaborated with multiple agencies, including ICE, Homeland Security Investigations, and others, during the investigation.
When will the suspect appear in court?
Zhu is scheduled to appear in Lawrence District Court on Monday following her arrest.
What have local officials said about the case?
Mayor D.J. Beauregard declared a war on human trafficking in Methuen, pledging to shut down any businesses profiting from such activities and to hold landlords accountable.
What has law enforcement said about future efforts?
Police Chief Scott McNamara stated that this operation marks the beginning of an aggressive campaign against human trafficking and sexual servitude in the city.
Has the spa reopened?
The spa has remained closed since the police operation.
How long have residents been reporting suspicious activity?
The crackdown follows a two-year documentation effort by residents to report suspicious activities to authorities.
Timeline
| Date | Event | Location / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| September 4 | The Beauty Garden Spa was closed following a police search. | Wallace Street, Methuen, Massachusetts |
| September 25 | Suping Zhu was arrested. | Manager from Flushing, New York; charged with prostitution- and trafficking-related offenses |
| Ongoing | Investigation and possible additional charges. | Multiagency collaboration including ICE and Homeland Security Investigations |
| Prior two years | Residents documented and reported suspicious activities. | Neighborhood complaints prompted the investigation |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- NBC Boston
- Boston 25 News
- MassLive
- CBS News Boston
- Eagle Tribune
- Wikipedia: Human trafficking in the United States
- Google Search: Human trafficking
- Google Scholar: Human trafficking
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Human trafficking
- Google News: Human trafficking
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