3 Women Arrested in North Branford Spa Prostitution Investigation

Three Women Arrested After North Branford Prostitution Investigation

Three women were arrested March 26 following a police investigation into suspected prostitution at a North Branford massage business, authorities announced, capping a months-long inquiry that involved state police and the New Haven State's Attorney's Office.

The business, registered with the State of Connecticut as Sun Flower Spa but operating publicly as "Asian Massage Spa," is located at 2341 Foxon Road. Community complaints received in late February 2026 alleging prostitution activity prompted the North Branford Police Department to open the case.

North Branford Investigation Relied on Community Complaints and Online Platform Analysis

Between late February and March 25, investigators analyzed online platforms commonly associated with solicitation activity and coordinated with the Connecticut State Police Organized Crime Unit. The New Haven State's Attorney's Office authorized the search warrant that was executed the morning of March 26.

"The conduct uncovered during this investigation is inconsistent with the values and expectations of the North Branford community," Police Chief James Lovelace said in a statement. He credited community tips and interagency cooperation for the operation's success, noting that the department "recognized the seriousness of these allegations" from the outset.

The involvement of the CT State Police Organized Crime Unit reflects a standard enforcement approach to suspected commercial prostitution cases, which frequently cross municipal and state jurisdictional lines. The unit routinely partners with local departments when investigations require surveillance capabilities and legal resources beyond a smaller department's reach.

Arrests and Charges

The three women taken into custody on March 26 are:

• Shao Hai Hua, 42, of Flushing, New York — charged with soliciting a sexual act
• Li Liu, 52, of Rochester, New York — charged with conspiracy to commit soliciting a sexual act
• Hui Chen, 53, of West Haven — charged with conspiracy to commit soliciting a sexual act

State business records identify Li Liu as the principal and managing member of Sun Flower Spa. The breakdown of charges — one count of direct solicitation and two conspiracy counts — suggests investigators identified different roles within the business's alleged operations. All three women were taken into custody without incident and posted bond following their arrests.

In Connecticut, soliciting a sexual act is a class A misdemeanor carrying a maximum sentence of up to one year in prison and a fine of up to $2,000. Conspiracy charges carry penalties corresponding to the underlying offense.

Case Heads to New Haven Superior Court

All three defendants are scheduled to appear in New Haven Superior Court on April 8, 2026. Details about legal representation for the defendants were not available as of press time.

Two of the three women arrested reside in New York State, which is not uncommon in such cases — organized commercial sex operations often involve individuals who travel between cities. Authorities have not alleged any broader human trafficking network in connection with this case.

Background on the Foxon Road Corridor

Foxon Road is a commercial corridor in North Branford running through a mix of retail and light commercial development. The stretch connects the town center to North Haven and carries significant daily traffic volume along Route 80.

Chief Lovelace indicated that enforcement would continue. The operational status of Sun Flower Spa following the execution of the search warrant was not immediately confirmed by town authorities.

North Branford, a town of approximately 14,000 residents, does not maintain a specialized vice unit; the department's collaboration with the state's organized crime unit was central to building the case. Lovelace said the department's reliance on community tips underscores the importance of residents reporting suspicious activity.

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