Maine Man Charged With Sex Trafficking in Asian Massage Parlor

A Gardiner man is facing a trafficking charge in connection with the investigation into a Rockland massage parlor.

Gardiner Man's Arrest is Connected to the Asian Massage in Rockland

Tian Tao, 54, of Gardiner, is charged with sex trafficking.

He was arrested on February 20, 2025, as part of an investigation into the 'Asian Massage' business in Rockland. It was a new business for the city, having just moved from Waldoboro. Rockland Police received information from law enforcement in Lincoln County in July 2024 of an investigation into alleged sex acts that were being done in exchange for money at the business.

Investigators found Suspected Ties to Organized Crime

As Rockland Police investigated, they found suspected ties to organized crime and human trafficking out of New York. Rockland detectives worked with federal law enforcement agencies, including the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, using physical and electronic surveillance, interviews with patrons, and a search warrant for discarded materials.

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Eleven People Have Been Arrested for Engaging a Prostitute

This investigation led to the arrests of eleven people for engaging a person for prostitution and Tian Tao, who is charged with sex trafficking. WMTW-TV reports Tao is suspected of opening and operating several Asian Massage parlors in central and mid-coast Maine, dating back to 2024.

Tao was arrested and taken to the Kennebec County Jail, where he was released on his own recognizance. Homeland Security then took him to the Cumberland County Jail.

This investigation is ongoing.

We'll update this story as more details become available.