A Chinese national, Tian Tao, is facing removal from the United States following charges of sex trafficking. The 54-year-old was arrested by Rockland Police and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and has been in ICE custody since February 20.
Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of ICE Homeland Security Investigations New England, commented on the case: “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. 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.”
The investigation began when local authorities in Lincoln County received information about an alleged illicit massage parlor operating within the county in 2023. This led to ICE's involvement and subsequent findings that allegedly linked Tao to other similar establishments in the area. As a result, Rockland Police secured a state warrant leading to Tao's arrest for sex trafficking.
Tao originally entered the U.S. lawfully in 2016 but reportedly violated his admission terms.
The investigation was conducted by ICE with assistance from the Kennebec County Sheriff’s Office and Rockland Police Department.
The public is encouraged to report crimes or suspicious activities by calling 866-DHS-2-ICE or using an online tip form.
