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NEWS FEED
El Programa de Pandemia-EBT de Delaware Regresa para el Año Escolar 2021-2022
Date Posted: March 3, 2022
Human Trafficking Unit’s First Month Yields Three Illicit Massage Parlor Shutdowns, Felony Charges
Date Posted: March 3, 2022
Delaware to Adopt Zero Emission Vehicle Regulation
Date Posted: March 3, 2022
DHSS’ Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health to Host Free Monthly Naloxone Training Sessions Statewide
Date Posted: March 3, 2022
AG Jennings Announces $6 Billion National Settlement In Principle With Purdue Pharma and Sackler family
Date Posted: March 3, 2022
Delaware’s Pandemic-EBT Program Returns for School Year 2021-2022
Date Posted: March 2, 2022
Heritage Commission Book of the Week celebrates Women’s History Month
Date Posted: March 2, 2022
AG Jennings Alerts Consumers Impacted By 2021 T-Mobile Data Breach To Take Steps To Protect Their Personal Information
Date Posted: March 2, 2022
The Delaware Division of the Arts to Host 2022 Virtual Poetry Out Loud State Competition
Date Posted: March 2, 2022
Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission to Hold Virtual Delaware Public Hearing on Striped Bass Management Plan
Date Posted: March 2, 2022
The Mezzanine Gallery to Exhibit “Recycle, Repurpose…RE-IMAGINE” by Colleen Zufelt
Date Posted: March 1, 2022
Former Dover Police Officer Pleads Guilty To DUI, Official Misconduct
Date Posted: March 1, 2022
No Matter The Flock Size, Poultry Owners Need To Protect Bird Health
Date Posted: March 1, 2022
Report Finds Gender Disparity in Auto Insurance Premiums, Women Charged More for Same Coverage
Date Posted: March 1, 2022
EDGE Grants Competition Reopens To Benefit Promising Early-Stage Delaware Small Businesses
Date Posted: March 1, 2022
Governor Carney Lifts COVID-19 State of Emergency
Date Posted: March 1, 2022
AG Indicts Ex-Officer In Excessive Force Cases
Date Posted: February 28, 2022
February 28 – March 4 is Severe Weather Awareness Week in Delaware
Date Posted: February 28, 2022
Nominations for Governor’s Youth Volunteer Service Awards Accepted Through March 27
Date Posted: February 28, 2022
Delaware School Mask Requirement to End at 6:00 P.M. on Tuesday, March 1
Date Posted: February 28, 2022
El Requisito de Cubre Bocas en Escuelas de Delaware Terminará el Martes, 1º de Marzo a las 6:00 P.M.
Date Posted: February 28, 2022
Weekly COVID-19 Update – February 25, 2022: COVID-19 Cases, Hospitalizations And Deaths Continue To Decline
Date Posted: February 25, 2022
DNREC to Close The Point at Cape Henlopen for Beachnesting Season
Date Posted: February 25, 2022
Downtown Development Districts Program Achieves Record Housing And Community Development In 2021
Date Posted: February 25, 2022
Delaware Heritage Commission’s Book of the Week Celebrating Black History Month
Date Posted: February 23, 2022
Avian Influenza Found In Delaware Chicken Flock; Producers Urged To Take Precautions
Date Posted: February 23, 2022
Delaware Emitirá Beneficios de Emergencia Mensuales el 24 de Feb.
Date Posted: February 22, 2022
Delaware Will Issue Monthly Emergency Benefits on Feb. 24
Date Posted: February 22, 2022
Historical Affairs celebrates Women’s History Month 2022
Date Posted: February 22, 2022
Nominations Open for the Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame and the She’s On Her Way Award
Date Posted: February 22, 2022
Delaware State Parks Fee Season to Begin March 1
Date Posted: February 22, 2022
Education preparation reports show programs’ progress
Date Posted: February 22, 2022
Dover Health Care Provider Expands Behavioral Health Services for the LGBTQ Community
Date Posted: February 22, 2022
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Detected in Delaware Wild Birds
Date Posted: February 21, 2022
Weekly COVID-19 Update – February 18, 2022: Cases, Hospitalizations Continue Downward Trend
Date Posted: February 18, 2022
State Employees’ Charitable Campaign Now Accepting Applications for 2022
Date Posted: February 18, 2022
Delaware Heritage Commission’s Book of the Week Celebrating Black History Month
Date Posted: February 18, 2022
February 23: Forum on Racial History and Education in Delaware
Date Posted: February 17, 2022
Delaware Holds Successful Bond Sale; Triple A Bond Ratings Affirmed
Date Posted: February 17, 2022
Governor Carney Announces $40 Million of American Rescue Plan (ARPA) Funding for Delaware Libraries
Date Posted: February 17, 2022
Volunteers Needed for Christina River Watershed Cleanup April 2
Date Posted: February 17, 2022
Take Care Delaware to Launch Statewide
Date Posted: February 17, 2022
Treasurer Davis Encourages Delawareans to Examine Saving Habits
Date Posted: February 17, 2022
AG Jennings, ATF, DSP Announce 91 Felony Charges Against Sussex County Straw Purchasers
Date Posted: February 16, 2022
Division of the Arts to Host Annual State Employee Art Exhibition
Date Posted: February 16, 2022
Delaware Public Service Commission Releases Final Report on Delmarva Power’s Electric Supply Auction
Date Posted: February 16, 2022
Wildfire Training Classes Online
Date Posted: February 15, 2022
February 15, 2022 – COVID-19 Press Briefing
Date Posted: February 14, 2022
Get Boosted: DPH Urges Delawareans to Reinforce Vaccine Protection Against COVID-19
Date Posted: February 12, 2022
McGuiness Office Granted Permission to Obtain Outside Counsel in Subpoena Case
Date Posted: February 11, 2022
Spring Trout Season to Open at Downstate Ponds With Youth-Only Day March 5
Date Posted: February 11, 2022
Two Delaware Educators Receive National Teaching Award
Date Posted: February 10, 2022
In observance of Black History Month, The Delaware Heritage Commission presents our Book of the Week
Date Posted: February 10, 2022
Governor Carney and Division of Small Business Announce Travel, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation Funding Awards
Date Posted: February 10, 2022
Division of Civil Rights & Public Trust Secures First Hate Crime Conviction
Date Posted: February 10, 2022
DNREC Invites Delaware Students to Enter Earth Day Video Contest
Date Posted: February 10, 2022
Governor Carney Issues Statement on Wilmington Learning Collaborative
Date Posted: February 9, 2022
Governor Carney, Lt. Governor Hall-Long Support Veterans Affairs’ Governor’s Challenge on Suicide Prevention
Date Posted: February 9, 2022
‘Segregated Sands’: Delaware Beaches During Jim Crow
Date Posted: February 8, 2022
Auditor McGuiness: Office Releases 34 Reports in January, a Historic Achievement
Date Posted: February 8, 2022
February 8, 2022 – COVID-19 Press Briefing
Date Posted: February 7, 2022
Department of Insurance 2021 Data Shows over $21M in Consumer Savings
Date Posted: February 7, 2022
Delaware Department of Agriculture Issues Request for Proposals for Specialty Crop Grant
Date Posted: February 7, 2022
El Gobernador Carney Anuncia la Expiración del Mandato Universal de Cubre Bocas en Espacios Interiores el 11 de Feb.
Date Posted: February 7, 2022
Governor Carney Announces Expiration of Universal Indoor Mask Mandate on February 11
Date Posted: February 7, 2022
Weekly COVID-19 Update – Feb. 4, 2022: DPH Warns Against Complacency Amid Reduced Covid19 Cases
Date Posted: February 5, 2022
The Delaware Public Archives unveils the Abraham Shadd Family Historical Marker
Date Posted: February 4, 2022
Governor’s Office Seeks Nominees for Delaware’s Appointed Seat on Mid-Atlantic Fisheries Management Council
Date Posted: February 4, 2022
Enrollment on Delaware’s Health Insurance Marketplace for 2022 Reaches All-Time High
Date Posted: February 3, 2022
DNREC Reminds Hunters to Remove Portable Deer Stands from State Wildlife Areas
Date Posted: February 3, 2022
Four Delaware Arts Organizations Receive American Rescue Plan Grants from the National Endowment for the Arts
Date Posted: February 2, 2022
A Message From Delaware’s New Education Secretary
Date Posted: February 2, 2022
Delaware’s Tax Season Starts January 31, 2022
Date Posted: February 2, 2022
Delaware Division of the Arts Encourages Arts Philanthropy Through Do More 24 Delaware
Date Posted: February 1, 2022
Delaware State Parks Standard Surf Fishing Permits Sold Out
Date Posted: February 1, 2022
Auditor McGuiness: 20 Performance Audits Show State School Districts, DOE Could Improve Background Check Processes
Date Posted: January 31, 2022
AG Jennings Unveils DOJ Human Trafficking Unit
Date Posted: January 31, 2022
February 1, 2022 – COVID-19 Press Briefing
Date Posted: January 31, 2022
Assistant Principal Academy Graduates First Cohort Of Leaders
Date Posted: January 31, 2022
DNREC to Accept Funding Relief Applications from Fishery-Related Businesses Impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic
Date Posted: January 31, 2022
Governor Carney Issues Third Revision to COVID-19 Emergency Order
Date Posted: January 31, 2022
The Mezzanine Gallery to Exhibit “On Display II” by Shari Dierkes
Date Posted: January 31, 2022
Governor Carney Terminates State of Emergency, Eases Driving Restrictions Effective at 6:00 p.m.
Date Posted: January 29, 2022
Weekly Covid-19 Update – January 28, 2022: Delaware Remains Vigilant As Downward Case, Hospitalization Trends Continue
Date Posted: January 28, 2022
Governor Carney Authorizes National Guard, Issues Driving Restrictions to Prepare for Winter Storm
Date Posted: January 28, 2022
Treasury Proposals Receive Funding in Governor’s Recommended Budget
Date Posted: January 27, 2022
Partnership to Bring Chick-fil-A Food Truck to DMVs
Date Posted: January 27, 2022
Governor Carney Presents Fiscal Year 2023 Recommended Budget
Date Posted: January 27, 2022
DEMA Encourages Delawareans To Prepare For Winter Storm
Date Posted: January 27, 2022
Many Hunting Opportunities Available as 2021/22 Hunting Season Nears End
Date Posted: January 27, 2022
State of Delaware Invests in Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access in the Arts
Date Posted: January 26, 2022
DPH Community Assessments Underway to Inform Future COVID-19 Response Efforts and Improve Health
Date Posted: January 25, 2022
Secretary Magarik Announces Leadership Changes at Department of Health and Social Services
Date Posted: January 25, 2022
January 25, 2022 – COVID19 Press Briefing
Date Posted: January 25, 2022
Bay Health’s Project SEARCH is Rewarding for Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Date Posted: January 25, 2022
Delaware Emitirá Beneficios de Emergencia Mensuales el 26 de Enero
Date Posted: January 24, 2022
Delaware Will Issue Monthly Emergency Benefits on Jan. 26
Date Posted: January 24, 2022
Weekly COVID-19 Update – Jan. 21, 2022: DPH Reports Promising COVID-19 Data Trends
Date Posted: January 21, 2022
Public Input Sought on Water Trust Priorities and Projects
Date Posted: January 21, 2022
Governor Carney Delivers 2022 State of the State Address
Date Posted: January 20, 2022
Three illicit massage establishments (IMEs) were shut down in February, the first full month of operation for the DOJ’s first Human Trafficking Unit (HTU), Attorney General Jennings announced Thursday.
“These investigations highlight a continuing pattern that we’ve seen time and time again: human trafficking often happens in plain sight,” said Attorney General Jennings. “These were businesses that hundreds of people passed by each day without realizing the abuse that was happening behind their doors. In many cases, the defendants are fly-by-night serial business owners who will set up a new front as soon as one is shut down. This is what we’re up against, and it’s why our state needs to sustain a permanent and concerted campaign against this scourge. I’m grateful to the prosecutors and investigators who helped take down these fronts, and to the policymakers who have fought to put resources behind this fight.”
On February 2, Dream Spa, a Wilmington IME, was closed and the patrons evicted following an internal investigation by the HTU, in partnership with the Division of Professional Regulation, showing that Dream Spa had been operating at that location as an Illicit Massage Establishment (IME) for several years. This work was accomplished with the cooperation of the property’s landlord.
On February 7, Zen Holistic Healing, a Wilmington IME, was closed and the patrons evicted following an internal investigation by the DOJ’s Human Trafficking Unit, in partnership with the Division of Professional regulation and Delaware State Police, showing that Zen Holistic Healing had been operating at that location as an IME since the summer of 2021. This investigation started following complaints made by neighbors in the community and was accomplished with the cooperation of the property’s landlord.
On February 23, members of the Delaware State Police Troop 3 – Major Crimes Unit, in partnership with the FBI and investigators from the Division of Professional Regulation, executed a Search Warrant on Spa Wellness, a Dover IME. This location had been under investigation by DSP and the DOJ’s Human Trafficking Unit since January.
Following the search warrant’s execution, two individuals involved with the operation of the IME were arrested: Cui Ying, 47, was arrested and charged with Felony Promoting Prostitution 3rd Degree, Conspiracy 2nd Degree, Operating an Unlicensed Massage Establishment, and Prostitution. Dung M. Tran, 62, was arrested and charged with Felony Promoting Prostitution 3rd Degree, Conspiracy 2nd Degree, Felony Providing a False Statement to Law Enforcement, and Operating an Unlicensed Massage Establishment. Victim services specialists also helped provide assistance to an employee who was identified as a likely victim of human trafficking.
During the search warrant and subsequent arrests, approximately $7,000 in suspected illicit proceeds were seized as well as two vehicles known to be associated with the operation of the IME. Bail conditions included no contact with the victim as well as prohibition of operating a Massage Establishment in the State of Delaware.
Prior to purchasing the Dover property, Ying was associated with an IME known as New Sky Spa on Concord Pike in New Castle County, which had been shut down through work by DOJ’s Civil Division, including Deputy Attorney General Zoe Plerhoples, in partnership with investigators from the Division of Professional Regulation. Almost immediately after New Sky Spa’s closure, Ying purchased the property that became Spa Wellness and began operating another IME. Dung Tran had previously operated multiple IMEs in the City of Dover, including one at the same address as Spa Wellness.
Deputy Attorneys General Abigail Rodgers, Michael Cooksey, and Caroline Brittingham, as well as paralegal Juliann Neri, were responsible were responsible for the DOJ’s role in the investigation, in partnership with Delaware State Police Detectives Patrick Campbell and Thomas Ford. Aspects of this investigation remain ongoing and prosecutors may consider additional charges depending on its findings. Tran and Ying will be tried at a date to be determined.
The Human Trafficking Unit has worked to identify IMEs statewide and will continue to work with law enforcement partners, the Division of Professional Regulation, and landlords to close those illegal businesses in the months ahead.
Print
Keep up to date by receiving a daily digest email, around noon, of current news release posts from state agencies on news.delaware.gov.
Here you can subscribe to future news updates.
Three illicit massage establishments (IMEs) were shut down in February, the first full month of operation for the DOJ’s first Human Trafficking Unit (HTU), Attorney General Jennings announced Thursday.
“These investigations highlight a continuing pattern that we’ve seen time and time again: human trafficking often happens in plain sight,” said Attorney General Jennings. “These were businesses that hundreds of people passed by each day without realizing the abuse that was happening behind their doors. In many cases, the defendants are fly-by-night serial business owners who will set up a new front as soon as one is shut down. This is what we’re up against, and it’s why our state needs to sustain a permanent and concerted campaign against this scourge. I’m grateful to the prosecutors and investigators who helped take down these fronts, and to the policymakers who have fought to put resources behind this fight.”
On February 2, Dream Spa, a Wilmington IME, was closed and the patrons evicted following an internal investigation by the HTU, in partnership with the Division of Professional Regulation, showing that Dream Spa had been operating at that location as an Illicit Massage Establishment (IME) for several years. This work was accomplished with the cooperation of the property’s landlord.
On February 7, Zen Holistic Healing, a Wilmington IME, was closed and the patrons evicted following an internal investigation by the DOJ’s Human Trafficking Unit, in partnership with the Division of Professional regulation and Delaware State Police, showing that Zen Holistic Healing had been operating at that location as an IME since the summer of 2021. This investigation started following complaints made by neighbors in the community and was accomplished with the cooperation of the property’s landlord.
On February 23, members of the Delaware State Police Troop 3 – Major Crimes Unit, in partnership with the FBI and investigators from the Division of Professional Regulation, executed a Search Warrant on Spa Wellness, a Dover IME. This location had been under investigation by DSP and the DOJ’s Human Trafficking Unit since January.
Following the search warrant’s execution, two individuals involved with the operation of the IME were arrested: Cui Ying, 47, was arrested and charged with Felony Promoting Prostitution 3rd Degree, Conspiracy 2nd Degree, Operating an Unlicensed Massage Establishment, and Prostitution. Dung M. Tran, 62, was arrested and charged with Felony Promoting Prostitution 3rd Degree, Conspiracy 2nd Degree, Felony Providing a False Statement to Law Enforcement, and Operating an Unlicensed Massage Establishment. Victim services specialists also helped provide assistance to an employee who was identified as a likely victim of human trafficking.
During the search warrant and subsequent arrests, approximately $7,000 in suspected illicit proceeds were seized as well as two vehicles known to be associated with the operation of the IME. Bail conditions included no contact with the victim as well as prohibition of operating a Massage Establishment in the State of Delaware.
Prior to purchasing the Dover property, Ying was associated with an IME known as New Sky Spa on Concord Pike in New Castle County, which had been shut down through work by DOJ’s Civil Division, including Deputy Attorney General Zoe Plerhoples, in partnership with investigators from the Division of Professional Regulation. Almost immediately after New Sky Spa’s closure, Ying purchased the property that became Spa Wellness and began operating another IME. Dung Tran had previously operated multiple IMEs in the City of Dover, including one at the same address as Spa Wellness.
Deputy Attorneys General Abigail Rodgers, Michael Cooksey, and Caroline Brittingham, as well as paralegal Juliann Neri, were responsible were responsible for the DOJ’s role in the investigation, in partnership with Delaware State Police Detectives Patrick Campbell and Thomas Ford. Aspects of this investigation remain ongoing and prosecutors may consider additional charges depending on its findings. Tran and Ying will be tried at a date to be determined.
The Human Trafficking Unit has worked to identify IMEs statewide and will continue to work with law enforcement partners, the Division of Professional Regulation, and landlords to close those illegal businesses in the months ahead.
Print
Keep up to date by receiving a daily digest email, around noon, of current news release posts from state agencies on news.delaware.gov.
Here you can subscribe to future news updates.
NEWS FEED
El Programa de Pandemia-EBT de Delaware Regresa para el Año Escolar 2021-2022
Date Posted: March 3, 2022
Human Trafficking Unit’s First Month Yields Three Illicit Massage Parlor Shutdowns, Felony Charges
Date Posted: March 3, 2022
Delaware to Adopt Zero Emission Vehicle Regulation
Date Posted: March 3, 2022
DHSS’ Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health to Host Free Monthly Naloxone Training Sessions Statewide
Date Posted: March 3, 2022
AG Jennings Announces $6 Billion National Settlement In Principle With Purdue Pharma and Sackler family
Date Posted: March 3, 2022
Delaware’s Pandemic-EBT Program Returns for School Year 2021-2022
Date Posted: March 2, 2022
Heritage Commission Book of the Week celebrates Women’s History Month
Date Posted: March 2, 2022
AG Jennings Alerts Consumers Impacted By 2021 T-Mobile Data Breach To Take Steps To Protect Their Personal Information
Date Posted: March 2, 2022
The Delaware Division of the Arts to Host 2022 Virtual Poetry Out Loud State Competition
Date Posted: March 2, 2022
Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission to Hold Virtual Delaware Public Hearing on Striped Bass Management Plan
Date Posted: March 2, 2022
The Mezzanine Gallery to Exhibit “Recycle, Repurpose…RE-IMAGINE” by Colleen Zufelt
Date Posted: March 1, 2022
Former Dover Police Officer Pleads Guilty To DUI, Official Misconduct
Date Posted: March 1, 2022
No Matter The Flock Size, Poultry Owners Need To Protect Bird Health
Date Posted: March 1, 2022
Report Finds Gender Disparity in Auto Insurance Premiums, Women Charged More for Same Coverage
Date Posted: March 1, 2022
EDGE Grants Competition Reopens To Benefit Promising Early-Stage Delaware Small Businesses
Date Posted: March 1, 2022
Governor Carney Lifts COVID-19 State of Emergency
Date Posted: March 1, 2022
AG Indicts Ex-Officer In Excessive Force Cases
Date Posted: February 28, 2022
February 28 – March 4 is Severe Weather Awareness Week in Delaware
Date Posted: February 28, 2022
Nominations for Governor’s Youth Volunteer Service Awards Accepted Through March 27
Date Posted: February 28, 2022
Delaware School Mask Requirement to End at 6:00 P.M. on Tuesday, March 1
Date Posted: February 28, 2022
El Requisito de Cubre Bocas en Escuelas de Delaware Terminará el Martes, 1º de Marzo a las 6:00 P.M.
Date Posted: February 28, 2022
Weekly COVID-19 Update – February 25, 2022: COVID-19 Cases, Hospitalizations And Deaths Continue To Decline
Date Posted: February 25, 2022
DNREC to Close The Point at Cape Henlopen for Beachnesting Season
Date Posted: February 25, 2022
Downtown Development Districts Program Achieves Record Housing And Community Development In 2021
Date Posted: February 25, 2022
Delaware Heritage Commission’s Book of the Week Celebrating Black History Month
Date Posted: February 23, 2022
Avian Influenza Found In Delaware Chicken Flock; Producers Urged To Take Precautions
Date Posted: February 23, 2022
Delaware Emitirá Beneficios de Emergencia Mensuales el 24 de Feb.
Date Posted: February 22, 2022
Delaware Will Issue Monthly Emergency Benefits on Feb. 24
Date Posted: February 22, 2022
Historical Affairs celebrates Women’s History Month 2022
Date Posted: February 22, 2022
Nominations Open for the Delaware Women’s Hall of Fame and the She’s On Her Way Award
Date Posted: February 22, 2022
Delaware State Parks Fee Season to Begin March 1
Date Posted: February 22, 2022
Education preparation reports show programs’ progress
Date Posted: February 22, 2022
Dover Health Care Provider Expands Behavioral Health Services for the LGBTQ Community
Date Posted: February 22, 2022
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Detected in Delaware Wild Birds
Date Posted: February 21, 2022
Weekly COVID-19 Update – February 18, 2022: Cases, Hospitalizations Continue Downward Trend
Date Posted: February 18, 2022
State Employees’ Charitable Campaign Now Accepting Applications for 2022
Date Posted: February 18, 2022
Delaware Heritage Commission’s Book of the Week Celebrating Black History Month
Date Posted: February 18, 2022
February 23: Forum on Racial History and Education in Delaware
Date Posted: February 17, 2022
Delaware Holds Successful Bond Sale; Triple A Bond Ratings Affirmed
Date Posted: February 17, 2022
Governor Carney Announces $40 Million of American Rescue Plan (ARPA) Funding for Delaware Libraries
Date Posted: February 17, 2022
Volunteers Needed for Christina River Watershed Cleanup April 2
Date Posted: February 17, 2022
Take Care Delaware to Launch Statewide
Date Posted: February 17, 2022
Treasurer Davis Encourages Delawareans to Examine Saving Habits
Date Posted: February 17, 2022
AG Jennings, ATF, DSP Announce 91 Felony Charges Against Sussex County Straw Purchasers
Date Posted: February 16, 2022
Division of the Arts to Host Annual State Employee Art Exhibition
Date Posted: February 16, 2022
Delaware Public Service Commission Releases Final Report on Delmarva Power’s Electric Supply Auction
Date Posted: February 16, 2022
Wildfire Training Classes Online
Date Posted: February 15, 2022
February 15, 2022 – COVID-19 Press Briefing
Date Posted: February 14, 2022
Get Boosted: DPH Urges Delawareans to Reinforce Vaccine Protection Against COVID-19
Date Posted: February 12, 2022
McGuiness Office Granted Permission to Obtain Outside Counsel in Subpoena Case
Date Posted: February 11, 2022
Spring Trout Season to Open at Downstate Ponds With Youth-Only Day March 5
Date Posted: February 11, 2022
Two Delaware Educators Receive National Teaching Award
Date Posted: February 10, 2022
In observance of Black History Month, The Delaware Heritage Commission presents our Book of the Week
Date Posted: February 10, 2022
Governor Carney and Division of Small Business Announce Travel, Tourism, and Outdoor Recreation Funding Awards
Date Posted: February 10, 2022
Division of Civil Rights & Public Trust Secures First Hate Crime Conviction
Date Posted: February 10, 2022
DNREC Invites Delaware Students to Enter Earth Day Video Contest
Date Posted: February 10, 2022
Governor Carney Issues Statement on Wilmington Learning Collaborative
Date Posted: February 9, 2022
Governor Carney, Lt. Governor Hall-Long Support Veterans Affairs’ Governor’s Challenge on Suicide Prevention
Date Posted: February 9, 2022
‘Segregated Sands’: Delaware Beaches During Jim Crow
Date Posted: February 8, 2022
Auditor McGuiness: Office Releases 34 Reports in January, a Historic Achievement
Date Posted: February 8, 2022
February 8, 2022 – COVID-19 Press Briefing
Date Posted: February 7, 2022
Department of Insurance 2021 Data Shows over $21M in Consumer Savings
Date Posted: February 7, 2022
Delaware Department of Agriculture Issues Request for Proposals for Specialty Crop Grant
Date Posted: February 7, 2022
El Gobernador Carney Anuncia la Expiración del Mandato Universal de Cubre Bocas en Espacios Interiores el 11 de Feb.
Date Posted: February 7, 2022
Governor Carney Announces Expiration of Universal Indoor Mask Mandate on February 11
Date Posted: February 7, 2022
Weekly COVID-19 Update – Feb. 4, 2022: DPH Warns Against Complacency Amid Reduced Covid19 Cases
Date Posted: February 5, 2022
The Delaware Public Archives unveils the Abraham Shadd Family Historical Marker
Date Posted: February 4, 2022
Governor’s Office Seeks Nominees for Delaware’s Appointed Seat on Mid-Atlantic Fisheries Management Council
Date Posted: February 4, 2022
Enrollment on Delaware’s Health Insurance Marketplace for 2022 Reaches All-Time High
Date Posted: February 3, 2022
DNREC Reminds Hunters to Remove Portable Deer Stands from State Wildlife Areas
Date Posted: February 3, 2022
Four Delaware Arts Organizations Receive American Rescue Plan Grants from the National Endowment for the Arts
Date Posted: February 2, 2022
A Message From Delaware’s New Education Secretary
Date Posted: February 2, 2022
Delaware’s Tax Season Starts January 31, 2022
Date Posted: February 2, 2022
Delaware Division of the Arts Encourages Arts Philanthropy Through Do More 24 Delaware
Date Posted: February 1, 2022
Delaware State Parks Standard Surf Fishing Permits Sold Out
Date Posted: February 1, 2022
Auditor McGuiness: 20 Performance Audits Show State School Districts, DOE Could Improve Background Check Processes
Date Posted: January 31, 2022
AG Jennings Unveils DOJ Human Trafficking Unit
Date Posted: January 31, 2022
February 1, 2022 – COVID-19 Press Briefing
Date Posted: January 31, 2022
Assistant Principal Academy Graduates First Cohort Of Leaders
Date Posted: January 31, 2022
DNREC to Accept Funding Relief Applications from Fishery-Related Businesses Impacted by the COVID-19 Pandemic
Date Posted: January 31, 2022
Governor Carney Issues Third Revision to COVID-19 Emergency Order
Date Posted: January 31, 2022
The Mezzanine Gallery to Exhibit “On Display II” by Shari Dierkes
Date Posted: January 31, 2022
Governor Carney Terminates State of Emergency, Eases Driving Restrictions Effective at 6:00 p.m.
Date Posted: January 29, 2022
Weekly Covid-19 Update – January 28, 2022: Delaware Remains Vigilant As Downward Case, Hospitalization Trends Continue
Date Posted: January 28, 2022
Governor Carney Authorizes National Guard, Issues Driving Restrictions to Prepare for Winter Storm
Date Posted: January 28, 2022
Treasury Proposals Receive Funding in Governor’s Recommended Budget
Date Posted: January 27, 2022
Partnership to Bring Chick-fil-A Food Truck to DMVs
Date Posted: January 27, 2022
Governor Carney Presents Fiscal Year 2023 Recommended Budget
Date Posted: January 27, 2022
DEMA Encourages Delawareans To Prepare For Winter Storm
Date Posted: January 27, 2022
Many Hunting Opportunities Available as 2021/22 Hunting Season Nears End
Date Posted: January 27, 2022
State of Delaware Invests in Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access in the Arts
Date Posted: January 26, 2022
DPH Community Assessments Underway to Inform Future COVID-19 Response Efforts and Improve Health
Date Posted: January 25, 2022
Secretary Magarik Announces Leadership Changes at Department of Health and Social Services
Date Posted: January 25, 2022
January 25, 2022 – COVID19 Press Briefing
Date Posted: January 25, 2022
Bay Health’s Project SEARCH is Rewarding for Students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
Date Posted: January 25, 2022
Delaware Emitirá Beneficios de Emergencia Mensuales el 26 de Enero
Date Posted: January 24, 2022
Delaware Will Issue Monthly Emergency Benefits on Jan. 26
Date Posted: January 24, 2022
Weekly COVID-19 Update – Jan. 21, 2022: DPH Reports Promising COVID-19 Data Trends
Date Posted: January 21, 2022
Public Input Sought on Water Trust Priorities and Projects
Date Posted: January 21, 2022
Governor Carney Delivers 2022 State of the State Address
Date Posted: January 20, 2022
Three illicit massage establishments (IMEs) were shut down in February, the first full month of operation for the DOJ’s first Human Trafficking Unit (HTU), Attorney General Jennings announced Thursday.
“These investigations highlight a continuing pattern that we’ve seen time and time again: human trafficking often happens in plain sight,” said Attorney General Jennings. “These were businesses that hundreds of people passed by each day without realizing the abuse that was happening behind their doors. In many cases, the defendants are fly-by-night serial business owners who will set up a new front as soon as one is shut down. This is what we’re up against, and it’s why our state needs to sustain a permanent and concerted campaign against this scourge. I’m grateful to the prosecutors and investigators who helped take down these fronts, and to the policymakers who have fought to put resources behind this fight.”
On February 2, Dream Spa, a Wilmington IME, was closed and the patrons evicted following an internal investigation by the HTU, in partnership with the Division of Professional Regulation, showing that Dream Spa had been operating at that location as an Illicit Massage Establishment (IME) for several years. This work was accomplished with the cooperation of the property’s landlord.
On February 7, Zen Holistic Healing, a Wilmington IME, was closed and the patrons evicted following an internal investigation by the DOJ’s Human Trafficking Unit, in partnership with the Division of Professional regulation and Delaware State Police, showing that Zen Holistic Healing had been operating at that location as an IME since the summer of 2021. This investigation started following complaints made by neighbors in the community and was accomplished with the cooperation of the property’s landlord.
On February 23, members of the Delaware State Police Troop 3 – Major Crimes Unit, in partnership with the FBI and investigators from the Division of Professional Regulation, executed a Search Warrant on Spa Wellness, a Dover IME. This location had been under investigation by DSP and the DOJ’s Human Trafficking Unit since January.
Following the search warrant’s execution, two individuals involved with the operation of the IME were arrested: Cui Ying, 47, was arrested and charged with Felony Promoting Prostitution 3rd Degree, Conspiracy 2nd Degree, Operating an Unlicensed Massage Establishment, and Prostitution. Dung M. Tran, 62, was arrested and charged with Felony Promoting Prostitution 3rd Degree, Conspiracy 2nd Degree, Felony Providing a False Statement to Law Enforcement, and Operating an Unlicensed Massage Establishment. Victim services specialists also helped provide assistance to an employee who was identified as a likely victim of human trafficking.
During the search warrant and subsequent arrests, approximately $7,000 in suspected illicit proceeds were seized as well as two vehicles known to be associated with the operation of the IME. Bail conditions included no contact with the victim as well as prohibition of operating a Massage Establishment in the State of Delaware.
Prior to purchasing the Dover property, Ying was associated with an IME known as New Sky Spa on Concord Pike in New Castle County, which had been shut down through work by DOJ’s Civil Division, including Deputy Attorney General Zoe Plerhoples, in partnership with investigators from the Division of Professional Regulation. Almost immediately after New Sky Spa’s closure, Ying purchased the property that became Spa Wellness and began operating another IME. Dung Tran had previously operated multiple IMEs in the City of Dover, including one at the same address as Spa Wellness.
Deputy Attorneys General Abigail Rodgers, Michael Cooksey, and Caroline Brittingham, as well as paralegal Juliann Neri, were responsible were responsible for the DOJ’s role in the investigation, in partnership with Delaware State Police Detectives Patrick Campbell and Thomas Ford. Aspects of this investigation remain ongoing and prosecutors may consider additional charges depending on its findings. Tran and Ying will be tried at a date to be determined.
The Human Trafficking Unit has worked to identify IMEs statewide and will continue to work with law enforcement partners, the Division of Professional Regulation, and landlords to close those illegal businesses in the months ahead.
Keep up to date by receiving a daily digest email, around noon, of current news release posts from state agencies on news.delaware.gov.
Here you can subscribe to future news updates.
Three illicit massage establishments (IMEs) were shut down in February, the first full month of operation for the DOJ’s first Human Trafficking Unit (HTU), Attorney General Jennings announced Thursday.
“These investigations highlight a continuing pattern that we’ve seen time and time again: human trafficking often happens in plain sight,” said Attorney General Jennings. “These were businesses that hundreds of people passed by each day without realizing the abuse that was happening behind their doors. In many cases, the defendants are fly-by-night serial business owners who will set up a new front as soon as one is shut down. This is what we’re up against, and it’s why our state needs to sustain a permanent and concerted campaign against this scourge. I’m grateful to the prosecutors and investigators who helped take down these fronts, and to the policymakers who have fought to put resources behind this fight.”
On February 2, Dream Spa, a Wilmington IME, was closed and the patrons evicted following an internal investigation by the HTU, in partnership with the Division of Professional Regulation, showing that Dream Spa had been operating at that location as an Illicit Massage Establishment (IME) for several years. This work was accomplished with the cooperation of the property’s landlord.
On February 7, Zen Holistic Healing, a Wilmington IME, was closed and the patrons evicted following an internal investigation by the DOJ’s Human Trafficking Unit, in partnership with the Division of Professional regulation and Delaware State Police, showing that Zen Holistic Healing had been operating at that location as an IME since the summer of 2021. This investigation started following complaints made by neighbors in the community and was accomplished with the cooperation of the property’s landlord.
On February 23, members of the Delaware State Police Troop 3 – Major Crimes Unit, in partnership with the FBI and investigators from the Division of Professional Regulation, executed a Search Warrant on Spa Wellness, a Dover IME. This location had been under investigation by DSP and the DOJ’s Human Trafficking Unit since January.
Following the search warrant’s execution, two individuals involved with the operation of the IME were arrested: Cui Ying, 47, was arrested and charged with Felony Promoting Prostitution 3rd Degree, Conspiracy 2nd Degree, Operating an Unlicensed Massage Establishment, and Prostitution. Dung M. Tran, 62, was arrested and charged with Felony Promoting Prostitution 3rd Degree, Conspiracy 2nd Degree, Felony Providing a False Statement to Law Enforcement, and Operating an Unlicensed Massage Establishment. Victim services specialists also helped provide assistance to an employee who was identified as a likely victim of human trafficking.
During the search warrant and subsequent arrests, approximately $7,000 in suspected illicit proceeds were seized as well as two vehicles known to be associated with the operation of the IME. Bail conditions included no contact with the victim as well as prohibition of operating a Massage Establishment in the State of Delaware.
Prior to purchasing the Dover property, Ying was associated with an IME known as New Sky Spa on Concord Pike in New Castle County, which had been shut down through work by DOJ’s Civil Division, including Deputy Attorney General Zoe Plerhoples, in partnership with investigators from the Division of Professional Regulation. Almost immediately after New Sky Spa’s closure, Ying purchased the property that became Spa Wellness and began operating another IME. Dung Tran had previously operated multiple IMEs in the City of Dover, including one at the same address as Spa Wellness.
Deputy Attorneys General Abigail Rodgers, Michael Cooksey, and Caroline Brittingham, as well as paralegal Juliann Neri, were responsible were responsible for the DOJ’s role in the investigation, in partnership with Delaware State Police Detectives Patrick Campbell and Thomas Ford. Aspects of this investigation remain ongoing and prosecutors may consider additional charges depending on its findings. Tran and Ying will be tried at a date to be determined.
The Human Trafficking Unit has worked to identify IMEs statewide and will continue to work with law enforcement partners, the Division of Professional Regulation, and landlords to close those illegal businesses in the months ahead.
Keep up to date by receiving a daily digest email, around noon, of current news release posts from state agencies on news.delaware.gov.
Here you can subscribe to future news updates.