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
‹
Local Government Meetings: June 8-12, 2026
This week in local government: final budget votes in Hillsborough, Pittsboro, Chapel Hill, and Durham County.
Chatham County Sheriff: Pittsboro Man Facing Multiple Counts of Felony Identity Theft, Fraud
The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office has obtained warrants charging a Pittsboro man with multiple counts of identity theft and fraud. Aaron Luis Perez, 34, of 534 Deer Run is charged with 21 counts of felony financial card fraud, 20 counts of felony identity theft and two counts of misdemeanor possession of stolen goods. The sheriff’s […]
'Not in Our Benefit': Chatham Residents Speak Out Against Proposed Fearrington Preserve Community
Chatham County Board of Commissioners recently met to continue last month’s public hearing for Fearrington Preserve.
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.
Golf Cart Storage Building Goes Up in Blaze at Pittsboro Golf Course; No Injuries Reported
Both the Pittsboro Fire-Rescue team and the Siler City Fire Department shared posts on Facebook detailing a blaze at 1000 Chapel Ridge Drive in Pittsboro.
Chatham County Schools Names 2026 Educators of the Year
Chatham County Schools recognized its 2026 Educators of the Year Thursday during its annual Educator Recognition Reception. Each honoree was nominated by colleagues and selected after a districtwide review. Walter Johnson of Chatham Early College in Siler City was named the district’s Teacher of the Year. Several Pittsboro educators were honored: at Pittsboro Elementary, Emily […]
Chatham County Roundup: Pittsboro Mayor Kyle Shipp on Park Improvements and More
Pittsboro Mayor Kyle Shipp spoke with 97.9 The Hill's Andrew Stuckey on Tuesday, April 28, discussing town news and events. He discussed several parks and rec updates, including some upgrades coming to Knight Farm Park. He talked about a ribbon cutting for Chatham Park Way, and more.
After Shooting at Vehicle in Pittsboro, Wilmington Man Faces Road Rage Charges
A road rage incident along the U.S. Highway 64 bypass in Pittsboro on Thursday led to one man charged, according to the sheriff's office.
Pittsboro Clarifies Data Collection Policies, Addresses Privacy Concerns for License-Plate Cameras
After Chatham County residents voiced privacy concerns for Pittsboro’s Flock Cameras, the town recently met to clarify its policies.
Police: Pittsboro Spa Owner Arrested in Prostitution Investigation
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: […]
›