A 54-year-old man from Gardiner, Tian Tao, has been charged with sex trafficking related to activities at a now-closed massage parlor in Rockland.
Rockland Police arrested Tao after an ongoing investigation into the “Asian Massage” parlor, which had previously operated in Waldoboro before relocating to Rockland. The investigation began in July 2024, when Lincoln County police shared information about the business with Rockland authorities.
Police uncovered links between the parlor and organized crime, including human trafficking operations connected to New York. In December, Rockland Police, in collaboration with Homeland Security, executed a search at the business and seized evidence, leading to the arrest of 11 individuals on prostitution charges.
Tao is currently being held without bail at the Cumberland County Jail on a federal charge of obstructing justice.
