ROCKLAND - Eight of the 11 men who were charged with engaging a prostitute on Jan. 27, 2025 following an investigation of sex trafficking at the Asian Massage Parlor in Rockland, have had their cases dismissed or will once they satisfy the requirements of a filing agreement with the Office of the District Attorney.

The eight defendants who accepted the filing agreement in exchange for their cases being dismissed were Richard Generazio, 64, of Owls Head; Christopher Mitchell, 41, of Lincolnville; Christopher Felicitti, 62, of Washington; Randy Bouchard, 62, of South Thomaston; Michael Graves, 65, of Rockport; Neal C. Shepard, 71, of Cushing; Bruce W. Liljegren, 79, of Thomaston; and William Heiden, 39, of Rockland.

None of the defendants have admitted any guilt.

The individuals each agreed to make a $350 donation to Just Love Worldwide and complete a one-hour online course on human trafficking awareness and prevention training through American Health Training within 90 days.

According to its website, Just Love Worldwide is a survivor-led non-profit organization that works to end exploitation and sex trafficking by extending a helping hand to survivors, educating communities, and advocating for stronger legal protections.

The website further states that “exploitation and sex trafficking are persistent and prevalent problems in Maine. The issue is exacerbated by the lack of awareness. Many residents don’t realize that exploitation and sex trafficking are real problems taking place in the communities in which they live.”

The cases for the remaining defendants are still pending in Knox County Court.

Mark Strong, 69, of Thomaston, has a hearing scheduled on Nov. 19 on a motion that the state provide a bill of particulars in the case. In Maine, a bill of particulars is a legal request made by the defendant to the court for more detailed information about the charges.

Stanley Carlton, 65, of Owls Head, has a status conference scheduled for Feb. 19, 2026.

Joseph Cady, 50, of Palermo, has a dispositional conference scheduled for October 2026.

All three men have pleaded not guilty.

A New York man, Tian Tao, 54, was identified by police as the owner of the Asian Massage Parlor in Rockland and is suspected of sex trafficking. Tao was arrested Feb. 20 on a charge of sex trafficking on a warrant obtained by the Rockland Police Department. Rockland Police detectives, with the assistance of the Kennebec County Sheriff Office, Gardiner Police Department. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security arrested Tao in Gardiner.

Rockland Police released the names of names of the defendants who were issued summonses on Jan. 27. They first received information in late July 2024 from law enforcement in Lincoln County regarding their investigation into sexual acts that were being done in exchange for money at a local massage parlor in Waldoboro.  

Reach Sarah Shepherd at news@penbaypilot.com