Click here for a copy of the CHEAH, KONG, and HO indictment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 4, 2006

FEDERAL GRAND JURY IN DENVER INDICTS THREE IN CONNECTION WITH AN INTERSTATE PROSTITUTION ORGANIZATION

This afternoon a federal grand jury in Denver returned an 18 count indictment, charging KAH POH CHEAH, age 28, of Thornton, WAI CHONG KONG, age 38, of Highlands Ranch, and KIT CHI HO, age 43, of Highlands Ranch, with a variety of crimes related to an interstate prostitution ring the three were allegedly running.

The three defendants also appeared in US District Court today for a detention hearing. CHEAH was detained without bond pending trial. KONG and HO were ordered released provided they post a $20,000 secured bond and agree to electronic monitoring.

Each defendant faces the following charges per the indictment:

KAH POH CHEAH faces 1 count of conspiracy, 7 counts of transport of an individual for prostitution, 2 counts of using interstate facilities to promote prostitution, and 1 count of asset forfeiture.

WAI CHONG KONG faces 1 count of conspiracy, 7 counts of transport of an individual for prostitution, 2 counts of money laundering, and 1 count of asset forfeiture.

KIT CHI HO faces 1 count of conspiracy, 7 counts of transport of an individual for prostitution, 2 counts of using interstate facilities to promote prostitution, and 1 count of asset forfeiture.

If convicted of conspiracy, each defendant faces up to 5 years in federal prison, and up to a $250,000 fine. The penalty per count for transport of an individual for prostitution is not more than 10 years in prison, and up to a $250,000 fine. The penalty per count for using an interstate facility is not more than 5 years in prison, and up to a $250,000 fine. The penalty per count for money laundering is not more than 20 years in prison, and up to a $500,000 fine. The indictment also contains an asset forfeiture allegation, which includes a house in Highlands Ranch, as well as three vehicles and over $6,000 in cash currency.

The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

This case was investigated by the Colorado Organized Crime Task Force. Agencies participating in the investigation include the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the Glendale Police Department, the Denver Police Department, and the Arapahoe County Sheriff. The case is being prosecuted by the US Attorney's Office.

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