LAFAYETTE - For more than a year, deputies with the Lafayette Parish Sheriff's Office have been investigating instances of prostitution and human trafficking in the parish.

According to KATC, five area massage parlors were investigated in connection to the instances. Reports say three residential locations were also tied to the investigation.

“You have women who are being exploited in the flesh trade. That’s something we know that it happens world wide, we know that it happens in the United States. It’s unpleasant and people don’t like to talk about it, but all we can control is what happens in our community,” said Sheriff Garber.

Deputies arrested and charged nine people for their involvement. Along with the arrests, authorities seized $50,000, five vehicles, jewelry, business goods and records, and electronic devices.

The suspects arrested are as follows:

Xu Xiaoping -Prostitution by massage

Yuan Yuan Huang – Prostitution by massage

Lianxiu Li -Prostitution by massage

Xufang Ou – Human trafficking and pandering

Pingjuan Xia – Pandering

Houqin Tang – Operating a place of prostitution and pandering

Renjie Jang  – Operating a place of prostitution and pandering

Zhao Chen   – Operation of a place of prostitution and pandering

Chang Su – Operating a place of prostitution and pandering

Authorities say the investigation is ongoing.