Missoula massage parlor owner sentenced to prison in sex trafficking case - NBC Montana

[Bowen West]

MISSOULA, Mont. — A former Missoula massage parlor owner has been sentenced to 10 years in the Montana Women's Prison on a series of sex trafficking charges.

Judge Leslie Halligan oversaw the case.

On Tuesday, the state of Montana continued providing evidence against Yanbin Bao, 54. Deputy county attorney Andrea Haney revealed texts between Bao and a client in Idaho, stating Bao had another location in Idaho with multiple employees.

Haney said Bao negotiated with clients to have sexual acts without protection with her employees.

Last week, a jury unanimously found Bao guilty of four felony counts of sex trafficking and one felony count of labor trafficking.

The charges stem from a lengthy investigation in 2023, when Bao and her husband owned Soul Massage, an illicit commercial massage parlor located at 5000 Highway 93 South in Missoula.

In her statements, Haney said sex trafficking is the modern-day equivalent of slavery.

"In this trial, we saw several links in the chain of human trafficking," Haney said.

State attorneys said Bao preyed on the defenseless of her employees with many of them not being able to speak English.

Haney said security cameras were not used to monitor the women, but used to berate them, according to testimonies from victims.

"Her motive was simple, greed," Haney said. "She wanted more, and she did not care who she had to hurt to get it."

The state requested a 50-year sentence in Montana State Prison with a $250,000 fine. Bao has no prior convictions. The state asked for this aggregated sentence as a deterrent for the future.

Bao's defense argued, she would work through the immigration process and should receive probation to provide support for her aging mother and stepchild.

The attorney for the defendant, said the women were voluntary prostitutes and chose to move to Montana. Going on to say the state tried to paint a picture of a horror movie.

The defense said too little is known about the parlor in Idaho to take it into account for this case.

Bao made a statement through a translator. She said she considers herself a victim of sex crimes.

"I believe I was wrong," Bao said through a translator.

Judge Halligan questioned Bao. Halligan asked her to explain her statement about being a victim. After being sworn in, Bao said a client assaulted her as well.

Halligan continued her questioning, asking if Bao had any income. Bao said no since the litigation began. Bao said she did not have any savings.

Bao received a fine of $10,000. Bao will not be able to open another business without approval and inspection from her parole officer.

Halligan said she's concerned about Bao's ability to integrate into the prison.

Deputy county attorneys Haney and Katrina Thorness prosecuted the case. Statements from a Jane Doe led officers to believe Bao was engaging in sex trafficking, according to the Missoula County Attorney's Office.

Looking into the business revealed hidden condoms, lingerie and a ledger of customers and transactions. Employees of the business were allegedly forced to perform sexual acts at the parlor and were taught how to do so by Bao.

“This verdict is the culmination of the hard work and dedication of so many,” Haney said at the conviction. “We are grateful to the jury and our partners in law enforcement and the community for their efforts. We hope this case shines a light on the issue of human trafficking and reflects our steadfast commitment to eradicating it one step at a time.”

Bao's husband, Richard Busey, faces trial in August.