Westfield Police arrest two for prostitution

Submitted by Westfield Police Department

On June 23, the Westfield Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) received a Crime Stoppers tip regarding suspected prostitution and possible human trafficking at The Farmhouse at Lantern Commons Apartments, located near the 16000 Block of Gleam Way.

Detectives immediately initiated an investigation and confirmed likely prostitution-related activity was occurring at the location. On June 25, detectives arranged a meeting and entered the residence and encountered two adult females. One of the women agreed to engage in sexual activity in exchange for $300; both individuals were then detained.

Upon executing a search warrant, evidence of sexual activity and prostitution-related activity was located.

As a result of the investigation:

• Yanyi Zhang has been charged with: Level 5 Felony Promoting Prostitution (two counts); Level 6 Felony Identity Deception; and Class A Misdemeanor Prostitution
• Linxia Shi has been charged with: Class A Misdemeanor Prostitution

This investigation was initiated because of a citizen’s Crime Stoppers tip and marks the second prostitution investigation concluded by the Special Investigations Unit in the past two months. Both individuals were offered victim assistance resources during the investigation.

The Westfield Police Department encourages anyone who observes suspicious or criminal activity to report it to the Westfield Police Department or Crime Stoppers. Every report of criminal activity is thoroughly investigated.

A charge is merely an accusation. All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.