The Austin Police Department is currently investigating a massage parlor in southwest Austin on U.S. Highway 290 for an alleged sex trafficking operation. One suspect has been arrested, who is believed to be the woman in charge of running the operation. Court documents have revealed that the suspect forced employees to work 24 hours a day against their will and to offer sexual services to clients at the end of massages for an extra fee.
The Texas Department of Licensing and Registration (TDLR) has the authority to issue a 6-month emergency closure order if suspected human trafficking is taking place at a licensed massage establishment. As a result, the TDLR placed a notice on the door of RS Foot Massage, the business under investigation. Although the signage for RS Foot Massage has been taken down, the business was located in a shopping plaza and appeared closed when approached by KXAN for comment.
Tela Mange from the TDLR mentioned that RS Foot Massage had been licensed since 2019 with no previous violations. Since the TDLR was granted the power to issue emergency closures in September 2023, four closures have been issued across the state, with two others in the Houston area. According to data from the Austin Police Department, there have been five sex trafficking arrests between 2020 and 2023.
Mange emphasized the importance of reporting any suspicious activity at massage parlors, as evidence related to sex trafficking operations often goes unreported. She provided a list of signs to look out for and report to the TDLR, including people living at the business, the presence of condoms and flavored massage oil, the absence of consultation forms, the need to buzz in to enter the building, employees not dressed professionally, and the presence of an ATM inside.
In conclusion, Mange expressed the TDLR’s strong commitment to eliminating human trafficking in Texas and encouraged the public to report any concerning behavior or signs of sex trafficking at massage parlors. By working together and staying vigilant, communities can help combat this serious issue and protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation.