ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A months-long probe has led to felony charges against three family members accused of running a sex trafficking operation through six local massage parlors.

State and local investigators say the New Mexico Organized Crime Commission and the Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office opened the case after an anonymous tip flagged suspicious activity at several massage businesses. The investigation ran for months before arrests and charges were filed.

Authorities allege immigrant women, many from China, were recruited with promises of legitimate work. Investigators say the women were then forced to live at the parlors, perform sex acts for paying customers, and were not paid unless they complied.

Special agents say the six parlors were tied to 58-year-old Yufang Bao. She is being held on 18 felony counts related to sex trafficking and prostitution. Her husband, John Tunney, and her son, Guanxiang Wang, face similar charges but are not in custody, according to the Bernalillo County D.A.’s Office.

Officials described violent enforcement inside the operation. One investigator recounted a report from a woman who said she was “beaten, restrained, and struck” after refusing to perform certain acts. Prosecutors said victims were also forced to live at the parlors and were shuttled supplies there.

Bernalillo County District Attorney Sam Bregman warned of stiff penalties for those involved. He said anyone who was part of this ring will face “a long, long time in prison” if convicted. “And I hope that this case sends a very clear message to people out there who are willing to traffic other human beings, especially in the sex trade. This is disgusting,” said Bregman. “Forcing people to have sex with other people. Beating them if they don’t. This organization would beat some of these victims if they did not perform sex acts,” said Bregman. “But I hope that this case sends a very clear signal,” said Bregman. “We’re not gonna put up with it anymore.”

Investigators also searched other properties linked to the family. They say they found financial records tying the group to multiple parlors, tens of thousands of dollars in cash, and a machine used to count money. Those items are part of the evidence being reviewed as charges move forward.

The case remains active. Court proceedings and possible additional charges could follow as prosecutors build their files. Officials say they will continue to pursue anyone involved in human trafficking in the region.