Couple arrested on suspicion of extorting Chinese immigrants

July 8, 2011 | 10:35am

A Hacienda Heights man who operated an illegal nightclub and allegedly extorted members of the San Gabriel Valley's Chinese community has been arrested and charged with animal cruelty, child endangerment and drug and illegal weapons possession, authorities said Friday.

Sheng Hui Chen, 38, and his wife, Yulan Hu, 31, of Hacienda Heights, both Chinese nationals who entered the United States on tourist visas, were arrested and charged after an investigation that began with allegations of extortion and illegal weapon possession, said Sgt. Steve Kim of the L.A. County Sheriff's Department.

The probe began in April when the Asian gang team received a tip that a man using the name “Sunny,â€