Police: Spas in Needham Prostitution Sting to Shutter

Two massage parlors in Needham are in the process of being shut down after employees at each location were arrested on Friday, March 16 for alleged prostitution.

detectives working with the Norfolk County Police Anti-Crime Task Force had been investigating the two businesses, Needham Oriental Spa at 60 Dedham Ave., Suite 107, and Best Body Work at 430 Hunnewell St., for several months, and made two arrests last week, according to Needham Police Lt. John Schlittler.

Though Schlittler could not share details of the investigation leading up to the arrests, he did say that an undercover officer was sent into at least one of the establishments.

Massage therapists at each location— Xiao Cathcart, 46, a Warren, R.I. resident, and Wan Liqing, 50, a Quincy resident—were arrested as a result of the investigation and charged with sexual conduct for a fee, according to police reports. The individuals were arraigned in Dedham District Court this week.

Both individuals were employees and not the businesses' registered owners, Schlittler said.

The two massage parlors do not appear to be linked, he added.

“There’s nothing through licenses and business information that would indicate they are associated in any way,” he said.

The police lieutenant also noted that additional charges could be filed in the matter.

“Pending the outcome of the investigation, there is the possibility of further charges being filed against a couple other individuals at each location,” he said. “The investigation will encompass every aspect of the business. We’ll look at all aspects of what transpired, and, if we determine that we have enough to push forward charges, then we would do so.”

Schlittler said building owners at both locations, who are not associated directly with the businesses, have cooperated fully with the police investigation.

“The process is ongoing to close the businesses. The building owners have been very receptive and very good with us in terms of communication and doing the right thing,” Schlittler said.

A call to Needham Oriental Spa on Tuesday, March 20 went directly to voicemail. Contact information for Best Body Work was not immediately available.