Anh Duong, Human Trafficking, Louisiana 2019

Crime Plagues the City: Local Businesswoman Sentenced for Human Trafficking

A disturbing trend continues to plague the city of New Orleans, as a recent sentencing highlights the issue of human trafficking in the region. Anh Duong, a 72-year-old woman, was sentenced on Thursday, July 25, 2019, for transporting individuals in interstate commerce for prostitution.

According to court documents, Duong operated two Asian Massage Parlors in New Orleans, the Lily Pad and the Rose Garden. Both establishments were commercial sex enterprises, with Duong knowingly transporting and causing to be transported individuals from Texas and Mississippi to the Eastern District of Louisiana to engage in prostitution.

The evidence presented in court revealed that Duong's actions were a clear violation of the laws of Louisiana, as she was aware that the individuals being transported were to engage in prostitution at the two massage parlors she operated.

As a result of her actions, Duong was sentenced to five years of probation, one year of home confinement with electronic monitoring, and a $100 special assessment fee. The court also ordered Duong to obtain prior written approval before entering into any self-employment, participate in an approved cognitive behavioral therapeutic treatment program, and abide by all supplemental conditions of treatment.

The court further ordered Duong to submit to a search of all business and financial records upon reasonable suspicion as requested by the United States Probation Officer. This measure is a clear indication of the seriousness with which the court views human trafficking and the need for strict oversight to prevent such crimes in the future.

U.S. Attorney Peter G. Strasser praised the work of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations in investigating this matter, highlighting the importance of collaboration in combating human trafficking. Assistant United States Attorneys Julia K. Evans and Brian M. Klebba are in charge of the prosecution.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edla/pr/woman-sentenced-transporting-individuals-interstate-commerce-prostitution