Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley D. Billhimer, Barnegat Township Police Chief Jason D. Carroll, and Stafford Township Police Chief James Haldenwang, have announced that on June 19, 2024, Kani Peng, 53, of Egg Harbor Township, was charged with Promoting Prostitution, Maintaining a Nuisance – specifically, a house of prostitution, Financial Facilitation, and Engaging in Prostitution, all in connection with an investigation that occurred between October 2023 and June 2024 in Barnegat and Stafford Townships.
The charges are a result of an investigation conducted by the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crime Squad, Barnegat Township Police Department, and Stafford Township Police Department. The investigation revealed that females who were living at both the Rainbow Spa in Barnegat Township and Bay Spa in Stafford Township were engaging in sexual activity in exchange for payment. The investigation further revealed that Peng was the owner and manager of both facilities, and was frequently observed at the spas supplying necessary items for operation – including food, clothing, and cleaning supplies. On June 19, 2024, court-authorized search warrants were executed at both spas and Peng’s residence in Egg Harbor Township. As a result, Detectives located evidence corroborating that prostitution was taking place at the spas, and that Peng was, in fact, the owner and aware of the illegal activities occurring there.
Peng was taken into custody at the spa in Stafford Township by Officers from the Barnegat Township Police Department. She was processed and served with the charges via summons pending an upcoming first appearance in Ocean County Superior Court.
Prosecutor Billhimer, Chief Carroll and Chief Haldenwang wish to acknowledge the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Economic Crime Squad, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office – High Tech Crime Squad, Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office Special Victim’s Unit, Barnegat Township Police Department, Stafford Township Police Department, New Jersey State Police and United States Custom and Border Patrol, for their collaborative efforts in connection with this investigation.
The charges referenced above are merely accusations and the press and public are reminded that all defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. R.P.C. 3.6(b)(6)