MORRIS COUNTY — Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and the Division of Criminal Justice announced that Ricardo Botti, 56, of Oak Ridge, is among seven individuals charged in connection with an alleged large-scale prostitution enterprise tied to illicit massage parlors operating across multiple towns in New Jersey and New York.
Botti faces charges that include promoting prostitution, along with additional counts tied to the broader racketeering and money-laundering investigation, authorities said. Prosecutors allege he played a supporting role in the operation alongside several co-defendants accused of managing, facilitating, or profiting from the alleged network.
According to state officials, the investigation centers on an organization authorities say was led by Jessica Yan Xiong, 50, of Oakland Gardens, New York, and Zitian Zhang, 34, of New Hyde Park, New York. Both face first-degree racketeering and money-laundering charges, as well as counts of leader of organized crime, promoting organized street crime, and promoting prostitution.
Investigators allege that Zongan Lin, 50, of Lake Hiawatha, used his massage license to obtain and maintain business licenses for multiple massage parlors that were allegedly fronts for prostitution. Authorities say Lin held or maintained licenses for several locations despite prior prostitution-related enforcement actions and maintained residences and business ties in Parsippany, Lake Hiawatha, and East Hanover, all of which were searched during the investigation.
Court documents identify multiple massage parlors allegedly connected to the operation, including Yan’s Massage and Reiki in Newfoundland, JW Holistic Spa in Fair Lawn, Star Massage and Reiki in Hillsborough, Kyoto 14 in Passaic, Violet Spa in Williamstown, and Sunny Spa in New Brunswick. Prosecutors allege these locations were used for prostitution based on surveillance, online reviews, interviews, and financial analysis.
Also charged are Thowleong Chew, 43, of Flushing, and Min Li, 41, of Flushing, who authorities allege transported women and supplies between locations, and Alfredo Sibaja-Sanchez, 53, of West Milford, whose charges include promoting prostitution.
On December 2, 2025, law enforcement executed coordinated search warrants at numerous locations across New Jersey and New York, including a residence in Lake Hiawatha connected to Lin. Authorities reported seizing more than $150,000 in cash, with financial records and bank deposits indicating more than $500,000 in alleged illicit proceeds.
“This investigation dismantled a sophisticated criminal network that exploited women and generated substantial illegal profits,” Attorney General Platkin said in a statement.
If convicted, first-degree racketeering charges carry potential sentences of 10 to 20 years in New Jersey state prison and are subject to the No Early Release Act.
Editor’s Note: The court’s rules require us to include a statement that states: The charges outlined in this publication are merely accusations, and the defendant and/or defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
