Beaumont massage parlor shut down, evidence of prostitution seized - KFDM-TV News

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BEAUMONT — The City of Beaumont has shut down a massage parlor for code violations after police executed a search warrant, detaining two women after discovering evidence of prostitution, according to Sgt. Tom Swope.

The raid is one of eight that took place today, including seven in Orange County, linked to a large-scale investigation into possible prostitution and human trafficking that began with Crime Stoppers tips last year. Multiple agencies, including Beaumont Police, took part in the raids today.

Beaumont Police Department detectives along with the Fire Marshal's Office and Beaumont Code Enforcement executed a search warrant at about 9 a.m. Wednesday at the Long Long Health Spa in the 5400 block of College Street.

The search warrant was in reference to female prostitution, according to BPD. Two occupants of the building were detained and evidence of prostitution, as well as multiple building and code violations, were found.

The occupants are being questioned, and due to the building and code violations, the business was closed by both the Fire Marshal and Code Enforcement, with the utilities shut off and the Certificate of Occupancy revoked.

This case currently remains under investigation.

Also this morning, Vidor Police and other agencies raided a massage parlor on West Bolivar near Main Street, one of seven in Orange County.

Newton County Precinct 4 Constable Howie Wonders says his office took part.

"The women are put in precarious, hideous situations," Constable Wonders told KFDM.

NEWS RELEASE FROM ORANGE POLICE DEPARTMENT AND ORANGE COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE:

In August of 2023, after receiving Crime Stoppers tips and observing an influx of massage parlors opening throughout the City of Orange, the City of Orange Police Department along with Orange County District Attorney’s Office initiated an investigation. During the investigation, it was determined there were massage parlors located in Bridge City, Pinehurst, Vidor, and Beaumont that were possibly linked.

During the course of the investigation, Investigators confirmed sexual acts were being performed by female employees of several massage parlors in exchange for money. Investigators believed these female employees of the massage parlors are victims of Human Trafficking. At this point, Investigators reached out to local Federal agencies to assist with the investigation.

As a result of this investigation, Investigators with Orange Police Department, West Orange Police Department, Bridge City Police Department, Pinehurst Police Department, and Vidor Police Department prepared affidavits for search warrants which were then approved by the Orange County District Attorney’s Office for the following locations:

Anna Spa (1005 Green Ave. in Orange)

A1 Massage (2968 North 16th St. in Orange)

Jade Flower (#11 Strickland Dr. in Orange)

Panda Spa (7014 Highway 87 in Orange)

Star Massage (3515 Mockingbird #C in Pinehurst)

Rainbow Massage (2070 #B Texas Ave. in Bridge City)

Sunlight Spa (120 West Bolivar in Vidor)

All of these warrants were presented to and granted by Orange County 128th District Court Judge Arkeen.

A search warrant for the following was obtained through Jefferson County by the Beaumont Police Department:

Long Long Health Spa (5425 College St. in Beaumont)

On Wednesday, January 10, 2024, at 9:00 AM, these search warrants were executed. During the execution of these warrants, evidence was located that was consistent with Human Trafficking, Promotion of Prostitution, Prostitution, and Organized Criminal Activity.

Upon the execution of the search warrant at Anna Spa, a patron of the business was arrested for Prostitution.

The following agencies assisted with the execution of the search warrants:

Orange Police Department

Orange County District Attorney’s Office

West Orange Police Department

Pinehurst Police Department

Bridge City Police Department

Vidor Police Department

Beaumont Police Department

Orange County Constable Precinct One Lannie Claybar

Homeland Security Investigations

This investigation is ongoing and future arrests are expected.

PREPARED BY: The City of Orange Police Department and The Orange County District Attorney’s Office

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