Undercover Sting Uncovers Alleged Prostitution Ring at Murrysville Massage Parlor

A tranquil facade at a Murrysville massage parlor crumbled last week as an undercover police operation led to an arrest, exposing an alleged prostitution ring and sparking concerns of potential human trafficking in Westmoreland County. The establishment, known as Natural Relax Spa on William Penn Highway, is now at the center of a detailed investigation after authorities acted on multiple tips detailing illicit activities.

The quiet community was shaken as law enforcement officials from the Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Office and state police delved into the allegations.

Their investigation culminated in an undercover officer visiting the spa. During this visit, Xiuping Li, a 54-year-old woman from Flushing, New York, allegedly offered the officer sexual acts in exchange for money, directly leading to her immediate arrest.

Li now faces serious charges, including promoting prostitution, prostitution, and criminal use of a communication facility.

She was promptly arraigned before District Judge Charles Christner and subsequently released on a $10,000 unsecured bond. The legal proceedings are set to continue with a preliminary hearing scheduled for May 29.

While the immediate charges focus on prostitution, authorities are exploring a much darker possibility: that the alleged operation at Natural Relax Spa could be linked to human trafficking.

This disturbing prospect highlights the complex and often hidden nature of such crimes, prompting a broader inquiry into how and why such operations emerge in seemingly unsuspecting locales.

This isn't an isolated incident for the region. Similar prostitution-related arrests have been made at massage parlors across Westmoreland County in recent years, including in Hempfield and North Huntingdon townships.

These recurring events underscore an ongoing challenge for law enforcement and raise questions about the vulnerability of individuals exploited in such rings. The investigation into Natural Relax Spa remains active, with authorities committed to uncovering the full extent of the alleged criminal enterprise and bringing all responsible parties to justice.