Massage parlor owner arrested

The owner of a string of massage parlors in Delaware was arrested following an investigation earlier this month into illegal prostitution at two of his Rehoboth Beach businesses, police said.

Dazhong Wang, 50, of Smyrna, was charged Thursday with second-degree promoting prostitution and permitting prostitution, Master Cpl. Gary Fournier said.

The charges stem from a Dec. 4 sting at the business owner's Top Quality Spa at 37169 Rehoboth Avenue Extended and Relaxed Spa at 37385 Rehoboth Avenue Extended where an undercover detective walked in for a massage and was twice offered by masseuses to perform a sex act in exchange for cash.

Three employees – Meizhu Zhang, Xiangyu Jin and Yan F. Dong – were each charged at the time with prostitution and engaging in the practice of massage and bodywork therapy with a license, Fournier said.

In addition, five male customers were cited for patronizing a prostitute or requesting sexual contact in return for a fee.

Wang, who has two other spas in Dover and Smyrna, was committed to Vaughn Correctional Center after failing to post $5,500 secured bail.

Wang operated another business in Middletown which was closed in January after police made arrests there for prostitution.

Contact Terri Sanginiti at (302) 324-2771 or tsanginiti@delawareonline.com