A man has been arrested after an investigation into the Blue Jade Spa in Pittsboro led to multiple charges. The Johnston County Sheriff’s Office arrested 37-year-old Chao Li of Garner for charges taken out by the Pittsboro Police Department. Police say Li is one of the owners of the spa and has been charged with:

  • Promoting prostitution — Advanced (Felony)
  • Aiding and abetting prostitution (Misdemeanor)
  • Unlicensed practice of massage/body work (Misdemeanor)
  • Advertising without a license (Misdemeanor)

The Pittsboro Police say Li posted a $3,000 bond for the misdemeanor charges and is being held on the felony charge. He is scheduled for appear in Chatham County Court Wednesday, April 22. Police also say the Blue Jade Spa case remains under active investigation. No additional information has been released at this time.

The Blue Jade Spa, located at 579 West Street in Pittsboro, first came under scrutiny when the Pittsboro Police received a community complaint for suspicious activity in October 2025. According to police, the complainant alleged the business was illegal and unlicensed. Concerns were also raised about individuals reportedly residing at the business and “rarely leaving the premises.”

Police say they investigated the spa for five months and developed probable cause indicating illegal sexual activity and potential human trafficking were occurring at the business. Officers executed a search warrant April 10 but did not make an arrest at that point.

Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees, and you can directly support our efforts in local journalism here. Want more of what you see on Chapelboro? Let us bring free local news and community information to you by signing up for our newsletter.

Related Stories
‹
Pittsboro Police: Pedestrian Killed on Hillsboro Street
The Pittsboro Police Department says a pedestrian died early Monday morning in a collision with a vehicle near the intersection of Hillsboro Street and Park Drive, just north of downtown. Police say Christopher Burns of Vass, N.C. was walking in the southbound lane of Hillsboro Street when he was struck by a vehicle at approximately […]
UPDATE: Pittsboro Town Hall Reopening on August 18
The Pittsboro Town Hall is reopening on Thursday, August 18 after being closed since August 8 due to COVID concerns and staffing shortages. “We sincerely appreciate the public’s patience and understanding as we have worked to protect staff and citizens by closing Town Hall,” the town said in a release Thursday morning. The town government […]
Chatham County Roundup: Kyle Shipp on Upcoming Economic Development Strategy, Pittsboro Town Hall Designs (Aug. 25, 2026)
Pittsboro Mayor Kyle Shipp joins 97.9 The Hill News Director Brighton McConnell over the phone on Tuesday, August 25.
Town of Pittsboro Alerts Residents to Phishing Scam Targeting Developers
The scam is specifically targeting individuals who have worked with the Town of Pittsboro's Development Services Department.
Town of Pittsboro Hires Kevin Lewis as New Planning Director
The Town of Pittsboro has hired Kevin Lewis as its next Planning Director. Lewis, who comes to Pittsboro after managing the planning program with the nearby Town of Knightdale, will begin work Aug. 31. “We are excited to welcome Kevin to the Town of Pittsboro,” Town Manager Jonathan Franklin said in a release Monday morning. […]
Pittsboro Commissioners Vote to End Flock Safety Contract Early, Citing Community Opposition
Pittsboro elected officials voted on Monday to end its contract with Flock Safety, following longstanding backlash from residents about privacy concerns related to the license-plate cameras.
Pittsboro Commissioners Swear In New Members, Honor Longtime Mayor Pro Tem in Final 2025 Meeting
The Pittsboro Board of Commissioners welcomed in its latest members while closing out its business for the calendar year on Monday night,
Pittsboro Seeks Community Input on the Future of 28 Acres Downtown
Community members have the opportunity to weigh in on the future of several sites in downtown Pittsboro which could be up for redevelopment.
Chatham County Roundup: Pittsboro's Communications Specialist Caitlin Murphy
Caitlin Murphy, a communications specialist for the Town of Pittsboro, joins 97.9 The Hill’s Brighton McConnell on Wednesday, Nov. 26 to discuss the latest news around the town government. She details the success of Pittsboro’s Holly Days from the past weekend to ring in the holiday season, and the upcoming parade in December. Murphy also […]
Candace Hunziker, Tiana Thurber Elected to Pittsboro Board of Commissioners
Candace Hunziker and Tiana Thurber earned election to the Pittsboro Board of Commissioners amid a crowded field during Tuesday night's local races.
›