Man arrested in connection to sex trafficking in Rockland set to be deported - FOX Bangor/ABC 7 News and Stories

[mnews]

ROCKLAND -- A man arrested for sex trafficking in connection with activities at a now closed massage parlor in Rockland is now facing deportation following a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement investigation.

Tian Tao, 54, entered ICE custody on Feb. 20 after being arrested by Rockland Police and ICE for sex trafficking violations.

The Rockland Police Department first received information in July 2024 from Lincoln County law enforcement that a local massage parlor was being investigated for its staff performing sexual acts in exchange for money.

Rockland Police say they learned the establishment in question "Asian Massage” had since moved from Waldoboro to Rockland and they suspected ties between the parlor and organized crime and human trafficking out of New York.

As a result of their investigation, 11 individuals were arrested for prostitution.

ICE officials say Tao, a citizen of China, entered the United States lawfully in 2016, but violated the terms of his admission.

"Illicit massage parlors are notoriously difficult to investigate, but collaboration between our special agents and local police allowed us to bring a significant consequence to a person charged with a serious crime in our community," said ICE Homeland Security Investigations New England Special Agent in charge Michael J. Krol. "There is no place in New England for people who exploit and traffic vulnerable people. Working together we prove that actions have consequences - in this case, the consequence is removal from the United States.”

Tao remains in ICE custody pending removal.