Lake County Prosecutor Bernard Carter asked the Indiana State Police to launch an investigation into missing money that was seized by police in connection with a 2023 search warrant executed at a Winfield massage parlor.
According to a release from Carter, $97,014.37 in cash was seized as evidence from Jade Massage Parlor in Winfield on Nov. 1, 2023. The cash was not properly secured, and investigators believe roughly $33,540.51 is still missing.
“The public must have confidence that evidence collected in criminal investigations is handled lawfully, transparently, and with integrity,” said Carter in a statement. “Any allegation involving the mishandling or theft of evidence by a law enforcement officer is extremely serious. We are asking the Indiana State Police to thoroughly investigate this matter and to make every effort to recover the missing funds.”
Winfield Town Marshal Robert Byrd said the request followed his department’s internal investigation, which he had forwarded to Carter and recommended the involvement of the ISP.
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On Nov. 5, 2023, a Winfield couple was formally charged with allegedly using their two massage parlors as a front for prostitution, while concealing massive amounts of cash from taxes, according to Post-Tribune archives.
The man, Guan Yu, 44, was charged with promotion of human trafficking, a Level 4 felony; promoting prostitution, a Level 5 felony; and failure to remit taxes held in trust, a Level 6 felony, according to a nine-page affidavit. The woman, Wujiao Liu, 45, is charged with the same, plus money laundering, and battery against a public safety official, both Level 6 felonies.
According to court records, the investigation began after multiple complaints alleged Jade Massage was offering sexual services in exchange for money. Undercover operations conducted over several months documented alleged prostitution occurring inside the massage business. Search warrants were ultimately executed on November 1, 2023, at five locations in Lake County, including two massage parlors, two related restaurant businesses, and a Crown Point residence tied to the owners.
The couple owned Relax Massage, 1451 Summit Street in Crown Point; Sakura KJ restaurant, 204 S. Main Street in Crown Point; and Yamato sushi restaurant, 10819 Randolph St., in Winfield.
The raids led to the seizure of cash, business records, and other evidence connected to the criminal investigation.
Byrd said the officer, Jordan Billups-Taylor, who signed off on both affidavits, is on administrative leave in an unrelated, ongoing matter.
Carter emphasized that the criminal investigation into the massage parlors and any related prosecutions remain separate from the inquiry into the missing evidence.
“This request is about accountability,” Carter said. “The citizens of Lake County deserve answers regarding what happened to this evidence and where this money is today.”
Staff writer Meredith Colias-Pete contributed.