‘Fixer Upper’ Sex Scandal: Joanna Gaines’ Dad Investigated In Prostitution Ring
May 1 2019, Updated 12:18 p.m. ET
A prostitution ring at two massage parlors has rocked Joanna Gaines’ town of Waco, Texas. Now, RadarOnline.com can exclusively reveal authorities investigated whether or not the Fixer Upper star’s father Jerry Stevens was involved in the sting.
In the December 2017 raid, video surveillance in two Waco, Texas massage parlors caught men paying for sex acts from women working at the locations.
Detective Joseph Scaramucci of the McLennan County Sheriff’s Office exclusively confirmed to RadarOnline.com that Jerry Stevens was initially investigated when rumors of his involvement began to form around the Texas town. He was not identified in any video footage, and no charges have been brought against him.
“When I was told, I found photos of him online on social media to be able to look for him,” Detective Scaramucci said, referring to surveillance footage. “He was not located in any of the video or anything affiliated with these businesses.”
Detective Scaramucci admitted “numerous people” have been rumored to be involved, but they were never caught on tape.
“I’m not saying it’s not possible any of them were ever there,” he said, “I just have no evidence to corroborate that.”
The proprietor of the business, Chun Yang Zhang, was arrested on trafficking of persons, engaging in organized criminal activity and aggravated promotion of prostitution charges, while the suspected customers were arrested for prostitution.
In a Complaint/Affidavit for Arrest Warrant obtained from McLennan County, Detective Scaramucci explained he began an investigation into massage parlors committing acts of prostitution and human trafficking.
“While conducting surveillance on the establishment, I have observed that the individuals there are residing in the establishment, as it has always been opened from the inside, and no one arrives,” the report read. “I have noted that during business hours, the clientele are exclusively men.”
In a search of a website used by the men to discuss acts of prostitution, rates charged and quality of the services, the establishment was listed, according to the complaint.
“On 12/4/2017, I conducted search warrants on both properties, and located numerous items of evidence, along with 3 different females,” the warrant read. “All parties were interviewed and stated that they work for a ‘boss,’ who brought them to the establishments after they answered online ads.”
According to the complaint, the women provided the boss with $300 a month to be able to reside in the parlor. They keep 20 percent of their earnings, but the boss, who they identified as Zhang, made them give their whole first week as a deposit.
In the complaint of one of the male suspects charged with prostitution, Detective Scaramucci learned the cost of a massage at the establishment is $60 for one hour and $40 to receive masturbation.
The case remains ongoing.