A criminal case that grew out of a high-profile Oakland County sex trafficking probe has abruptly ended for one of the main defendants. This month, a Southfield judge dismissed all charges against Runping “Lisa” Huang, who had been accused of operating massage-parlor locations tied to the investigation. Court files show the March 13 ruling brought Huang’s criminal case to a close, even as a related defendant remains in the court system. The allegations that led to the prosecutions date back to mid-2025 and grew out of a multi-agency investigation.
Judge dismisses case
Court records list the dismissal last Friday, according to ClickOnDetroit. The report yesterday notes that Huang had been charged after authorities targeted multiple massage parlors they said were connected to the alleged trafficking scheme.
What prosecutors had alleged
Oakland County prosecutors had accused Huang of running an enterprise that forced workers to provide sexual services and surrender their earnings, according to a county press release. She faced counts that included a human trafficking enterprise involving forced labor and commercial sexual activity, along with transporting a person for prostitution. The filings described alleged victims who spoke little English, had no transportation and worked long shifts under what authorities characterized as coercive conditions. Prosecutors tied those charges to a broader trafficking case filed in June 2025.
How the investigation unfolded
Law enforcement officials said the probe was handled by a multi-agency task force and focused on massage parlors in several suburban communities. Detectives reported identifying people who had been transported from other states to work at the businesses, FOX2 Detroit reported. Alongside local police departments, victim-service organizations took part in the effort, helping connect alleged victims with support services while the investigation was underway.
Co-defendant's case remains active
ClickOnDetroit's reporting also notes that a co-defendant, Chunxiu “Eva” Xu, still faces charges in the 52-1 District Court in Novi. The March 17 article does not explain why the judge in Southfield’s 46th District Court dismissed the counts against Huang.
Prosecutor's view and local context
When the charges were announced in June 2025, Oakland County Prosecutor Karen McDonald said her office was intensifying its focus on trafficking prosecutions. At the time, officials framed the prosecutions as one part of a continuing countywide push to identify and charge trafficking operations that investigators said began surfacing in late 2024.
Resources for people at risk
Local coverage of the probe has repeatedly highlighted resources for those at risk. Victims and anyone who suspects trafficking can contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text HELP to 233733 for confidential assistance, as listed in regional reporting. Community nonprofits and county victim-service groups have also played a role in the support work connected to these investigations.
