Aug 21, 2018 2 min read

A California woman charged late last year by South Strabane Township police with prostitution failed to appear for arraignment on the charges Monday morning.

It was determined Hongtao Li, the name the supposed 40-year-old from Monterey Park gave at the time, was an alias. Online court records show the summons sent to her at the California address had been accepted. Attorney Sam Pangburn, who entered an appearance to represent her, was present Monday. Arrangements had been made by District Judge Jay Weller’s office to have a Chinese interpreter at her arraignment.

Li was charged with promoting prostitution, criminal use of a communications facility and dealing in proceeds of unlawful activity.

Township police received a call Sept. 22 from a manager at Motel 6, 1283 Motel 6 Drive, about two women who had been staying in a room for three days, and he noticed a lot of traffic in and out of the room.

Police and the manager drove past the room and saw a man getting out of a vehicle. He appeared to be surprised to see police, but went into the room after police drove by.

Police then spotted that vehicle leaving the area of the motel and turning onto North Avenue. Police made a traffic stop on Murtland Avenue. After telling the driver about a traffic violation, the officer asked to speak with him. He agreed to go to the police station. He told police about finding an ad online at backpage.com and calling the number listed.

Police learned he was directed to the motel room. He told police he paid $210 for sexual intercourse. Police returned to the room and found the woman he described. Police said her name on her California driver’s license identified her as Li.

Police also confiscated several MoneyGrams in the room. Police said Li was seen on surveillance purchasing the MoneyGrams at Walmart in South Strabane and Moon Township.

Chief Drew Hilk said Tuesday he believes she is no longer operating in the township.