A Korean national from Dedham, Massachusetts, who played a crucial role in managing a high-end prostitution network across greater Boston and eastern Virginia, was sentenced to a year in prison. Junmyung Lee, 32, received his sentence on April 18, 2025, by U.S. District Court Judge Julia E. Kobick. After serving his time, he will face a year of supervised release, followed by potential deportation. Lee was also ordered to forfeit $200,000, reflecting the earnings from his involvement in the conspiracy.
Previously, in October 2024, Lee pleaded guilty to conspiring to persuade individuals to travel for prostitution and a separate charge of money laundering conspiracy. He was apprehended in November 2023, alongside Han Lee from Cambridge, Massachusetts, and James Lee from Torrance, California. The federal charges were filed in February 2024.
Han Lee, Junmyung Lee's co-defendant, received a sentence of four years and must pay over $5.4 million in forfeiture. His restitution will be determined later. Meanwhile, James Lee, who admitted guilt in February 2025, awaits sentencing in May 2025.
The operations headed by the Lees ran from early 2022 to late 2023, involving several brothels designed to engage women in prostitution and launder income from these activities. Junmyung Lee, having joined the network at its expansion phase, acted as the "booker," responsible for arranging appointments and maintaining communication with clients through dedicated phone lines. His role also extended to handling transactions derived from prostitution, further concealing these through bank deposits and money orders.
The brothel sites, housed in Massachusetts and Virginia, were lavishly equipped to support the operation's needs. Notably, one location in Cambridge was secured under Lee's name. The proceeds from the prostitution network – over $5.6 million from approximately 9,450 transactions – also went towards paying rented properties and utilities.
Authorities involved in the investigation included United States Attorney Leah B. Foley, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Cambridge Police Department. They acknowledged additional support from various U.S. Attorney’s Offices, the U.S. Postal Service, and the Watertown Police Department. Prosecutors include Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey E. Weinstein and Assistant U.S. Attorney Raquelle Kaye.
The public is encouraged to reach out with relevant insights or questions through USAMA.VictimAssistance@usdoj.gov.
