Columbus woman arraigned in city massage parlor case - Lancaster Eagle Gazette

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Fairfield Municipal Court Judge James A. Fields enters not guilty pleas for Jinrong Hedrick Friday in two prostitution-related misdemeanor charges.(Photo: Jeff Barron/Eagle-Gazette)Buy Photo


LANCASTER - A woman arrested Thursday during a raid at a city massage business pleaded not guilty to two prostitution-related misdemeanor charges Friday during her arraignment.

Jinrong Hedrick, 65, of Georgesville Road, Columbus, did not understand the charges against her, so Fairfield County Municipal Court Judge James A. Fields actually entered a not guilty plea to one charge of procuring prostitution and one count of solicitation on her behalf. He also said he would provide an attorney for her.

An arraignment is usually a quick and simple court proceeding. But Hedrick's arraignment was more complicated because she and Fields had to communicate through a Chinese interpreter via a speaker phone. The process was confusing at times, as the interpreter had trouble hearing the court proceedings.

Jin's Wellness Center, 103 Cedar Hill Road, was shut down just before noon on Thursday with Hedrick taken into custody. An online search of the Cedar Hill Road business shows it is also known as Asian Massage and Thai Back-Walking.

Procuring is related to authorizing sexual activities for pay to be performed at a particular place. That first-degree misdemeanor charge against Hedrick carries an 180-day jail sentence and at $1,000 fine. The solicitation charge carries a 60-day jail sentence and a $500 fine. It is a third-degree misdemeanor charge.

Fields also said Hedrick could be deported from the country if found guilty.

No further court dates were set at the arraignment for the case.

jbarron@lancastereaglegazette.com

740-681-4340

Twitter: @JeffDBarron

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