Sex Trafficking Investigation Leads to Closure of Austin Massage Parlor

A massage parlor located in southwest Austin, specifically on U.S. Highway 290, has been ordered to close due to serious allegations of sex trafficking. After executing a search warrant, Austin Police Department has arrested the individual believed to be in charge of the alleged sex trafficking operation.

Investigation Details

Based on the arrest affidavits, the apprehended individual is accused of coercing employees to offer “sexual services” to clients towards the end of the massage sessions. These additional services supposedly come at extra costs, the majority of which the arrested woman purportedly pocketed.

The illicit operation was reported running round the clock from inside the massage parlor, known as the RS Foot Massage. The establishment, already legally licensed for massage services by the Texas Department of Licensing and Registration (TDLR), is currently facing a six-month emergency closure order.

Response from TDLR

Tela Mange, a spokesperson for TDLR, pointed out that the legislative power granted to the agency to issue emergency closure orders has been operative only since September 2023. Since then, they have only had to exercise this authority to shutter establishments on four occasions across the state, including the RS Foot Massage. Two other cases involved massage parlors in the Houston area.

The spokesperson urged the public to stay vigilant and report any signs of illegal activities, especially when relating to sex trafficking. Potential evidence might include signs of people living in the business premises, unusually high amounts of condoms, flavored massage oil, absence of consultation forms, unprofessional dress codes among the employees, the use of ATMs inside, or premises requiring clients to ‘buzz in.’

Statewide Sex Trafficking Statistics

Statistical data from APD indicates a significant drop in sex trafficking arrests with only five cases reported from 2020 through 2023. However, the decrease in arrests does not necessarily mirror a similar downtrend in criminal activities. Mange highlighted the fact that evidence related to sex trafficking operations often goes underreported and encouraged community members to take a proactive role in alerting authorities about suspicious activities.

With the ongoing investigation, authorities continue to vigilantly monitor other businesses for illegal activities, reinforcing a strict stance against human trafficking in Texas.