Somerset County Prosecutor Michael H. Robertson and Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Chief of Detectives John Fodor announced the arrests of Mr. Rubio Li, age 44 of Forest Hills, New York and Ms. Minerva A. Cabrera, age 70 of Manhattan, New York.
Prosecutor Robertson stated that the Franklin Township Police Department received several complaints from concerned citizens in reference to suspected brothels being operated out of two different massage parlors in Franklin Township, New Jersey - the New Image Spa, located on Easton Avenue and E.N.C. Inc., located on Cedar Grove Avenue.
Subsequently, the Franklin Township Police Department contacted the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Organized Crime and Narcotics Task Force regarding the complaints and a joint investigation was initiated, according to officials.
Prosecutor Robertson stated that on June 18, at approximately 2:15 PM, a Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office undercover detective entered the massage parlor, E.N.C. Inc., and was met by Cabrera.
Reports say that during this meeting, the undercover detective was propositioned by Cabrera for a sexual act in exchange for U.S. currency. At this time, Task Force members along with members of the Franklin Township Police Department entered E.N.C. Inc. and placed Cabrera under arrest.
Officials say that Defendant Cabrera was charged with Engaging in Prostitution, a disorderly persons offense, out of the Franklin Township Municipal Court.
Also on June 18, at approximately 4:50 PM, a Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office undercover detective entered the massage parlor, New Image Spa, where he was met by Li, police say. During this meeting, the undercover Detective was propositioned by Li for a sexual act in exchange for U.S. currency.
According to reports, at this time, Task Force members, along with members of the Franklin Township Police Department entered New Image Spa and placed Li under arrest. Defendant Li was charged with Engaging in Prostitution, a disorderly persons offense, out of the Franklin Township Municipal Court.
Both Cabrera and Li were processed and released on their own recognizance pending a Municipal Court appearance, officials say.
Police say that it should be noted that as recently as August 15, 2018, an undercover operation at the New Image Spa also resulted in the arrest of an individual for Engaging in Prostitution.
Prosecutor Robertson and Chief Fodor request anyone with information regarding this incident to contact the Somerset County Prosecutor’s Office Organized Crime and Narcotics Task Force Unit at 908-231-7100 or via the STOPit app.