The preliminary hearing for a couple accused of running a brothel out of their Sunset residence will continue on Tuesday, according to the District Attorney's Office.
Jin Shi and Linjun Wang, both 31, were arrested June 20 for allegedly running a brothel in the 1800 block of Noriega Street after police conducted monthslong investigation.
The couple originally appeared in court June 25 and pleaded not guilty to charges of pimping and pandering.
The two, who are both Chinese nationals, appeared in court Wednesday for the beginning of their preliminary hearing. They were accompanied by a Mandarin translator and their public defender.
During Wednesday's hearing, police Sgt. Kevin Healy testified that he had spoken to the landlord of the building the couple lived in and thought something illegal might be going on.
Healy, who conducted surveillance on the residence, testified that he saw several males coming and going from the home and usually staying for durations of 20 to 40 minutes.
After executing a search warrant, Healy spoke with several women inside the establishment and some men, one of whom told Healy he had paid a woman for sexual services.
Healy testified that he saw scantily clad women, one of whom told him she performed sexual services but that she did it voluntarily. She and another woman were offered assistance but refused.
Shi and Wang have no previous criminal records, according to their attorney. Police have seized their passports and IDs and are scheduled to return to court Tuesday at 9:30 a.m.