A Massachusetts woman accused of running a high-end brothel network catering to wealthy and influential clients in the state and the Washington, D.C. suburbs is expected to change her plea to guilty in federal court on Friday, as indicated in court documents.
Han Lee, along with two co-defendants, was indicted earlier this year on one count of conspiracy to persuade, entice, and coerce individuals to travel across state lines or internationally for prostitution, and one count of money laundering, according to prosecutors. The co-defendants include James Lee from Torrance, California, and Junmyung Lee from Dedham, Massachusetts.
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Initially pleading not guilty, Han Lee has remained in custody throughout the proceedings. Her attorney, Scott Lauer, confirmed that she will continue to be held after the hearing but declined to provide further comments. A representative for James Lee also declined to comment, while Junmyung Lee’s attorney noted that his next court appearance has been postponed.
Authorities allege that the commercial sex ring in Massachusetts and northern Virginia served a clientele of politicians, corporate executives, military officers, lawyers, professors, and other high-profile individuals. Prosecutors have not disclosed the identities of any buyers, and none have been charged to date. Acting Massachusetts U.S. Attorney Josh Levy stated that the prosecution aims to hold both the operators and the demand side accountable.
Some buyers have sought to keep their identities confidential by appealing to the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court.
Prosecutors assert that the brothel operation utilized websites that deceptively advertised nude models for professional photography. The defendants allegedly rented upscale apartments in Watertown and Cambridge, Massachusetts, as well as in Tysons and Fairfax, Virginia, to serve as brothels.
According to authorities, Han Lee played a key role in recruiting women and maintaining the websites and brothels. She reportedly paid Junmyung Lee, one of her employees, between $6,000 and $8,000 per month in cash for his services in scheduling appointments and escorting women to the brothels.
The network reportedly generated hundreds of thousands of dollars, with clients paying between $350 and over $600 per hour for various services, according to prosecutors.
Officials have indicated that Han Lee concealed more than $1 million in illicit proceeds by converting cash into money orders and employing other methods to disguise the funds as legitimate.
Court documents reveal that the defendants implemented house rules for the women during their stays in different cities, aimed at safeguarding the secrecy of their operations and preventing attention to the prostitution activities occurring within the apartment buildings.
Authorities seized cash, ledgers outlining the brothel operations, and mobile phones believed to be used for communication with clients during searches of the apartments. Investigators also discovered evidence of Han Lee’s lavish spending habits, including luxury shoes and handbags.
Each website used a verification process for prospective clients to book appointments, requiring them to submit personal details such as full names, email addresses, phone numbers, employers, and references, according to authorities.
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Additionally, the defendants maintained local phone numbers for brothel operations, provided customers with a “menu” of available women and services, and communicated directions to the brothel locations via text.
