It’s no surprise that more massage parlors in Texas are being shut down. In fact, just last week, three massage establishments in San Antonio were closed. It’s becoming a common trend where for every parlor that gets shut down, two more seem to pop up in its place. And what’s interesting is that most of these closures are due to the same reasons.
Who Regulates Massage Parlors in Texas?
This Article Includes
- 1 Who Regulates Massage Parlors in Texas?
- 2 Recent Shutdowns: Pings Best Foot Massage Under Investigation
- 3 What Investigators Found Inside the Massage Parlor
- 4 The Hidden Reality: Human Trafficking in Texas Massage Parlors
- 5 The Consequences for the Business Owners
- 6 The Larger Crackdown on Illegal Massage Parlors in Texas
- 7 How Can We Help Stop This?
In Texas, massage parlors fall under the regulation of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR). This agency is responsible for overseeing inspections and licensing procedures for these businesses, which are frequently owned and operated by immigrants. It is important to note that these establishments are licensed and must employ certified individuals who are closely monitored by the state.
Recent Shutdowns: Pings Best Foot Massage Under Investigation
In late January, the TDLR took decisive action by issuing a six-month emergency closure and license suspension for Pings Best Foot Massage, a business operating in San Antonio and owned by Rudy and Huang Lopez.
The investigation into Pings’ locations was initiated after a former customer lodged a complaint, accusing the establishment of engaging in illegal sexual activity. In response, the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) took action and conducted an undercover operation targeting various Pings locations.
What Investigators Found Inside the Massage Parlor
SAPD and TDLR officials made several discoveries during their investigation, including:
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- Unlicensed employees providing foot massages
- Workers living inside the business
- Indicators of commercial sexual services occurring on-site
- Illicit online reviews detailing illegal services
- The TDLR noted that multiple illicit websites contained consumer reviews describing unlawful services provided at these establishments.
The Hidden Reality: Human Trafficking in Texas Massage Parlors
Every time I come across these cases or receive a press release from TDLR or law enforcement, what immediately grabs my attention is that the focus is usually on the sex/prostitution aspect, with the discovery of human trafficking coming to light later on.
It is imperative that we put an end to this. The most effective approach to address this problem is by refraining from patronizing these establishments. I am of the firm belief that those who partake in these illicit services are equally culpable as those who provide them.
The Consequences for the Business Owners
The licenses of Rudy and Huang Lopez, the owners, have been suspended for a duration of six months. Consequently, they are currently barred from operating any massage business in Texas. However, the pressing concern that still lingers is: why does this issue persist in Texas?
The Larger Crackdown on Illegal Massage Parlors in Texas
The number of massage parlors that have been closed down in Texas over the past two years is difficult to determine. However, in West Texas, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) has carried out undercover operations, leading to the arrest of over 50 individuals involved in human trafficking and illegal sexual activity at massage parlors.
How Can We Help Stop This?
To effectively combat this issue, it is crucial for us to unite as a community. As emphasized by Crime Stoppers, it is imperative that we speak up if we have any knowledge or information.
