Garland massage parlor shuts down amid human trafficking investigation - FOX 4 News Dallas-Fort Worth

[Steven Ardary]

article



FRANCE - CIRCA 1900: Massage in Paris, France - At Bulle Kenzo. (Photo by Veronique DURRUTY/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images)

GARLAND, Texas - A massage parlor will shut its doors for at least six months following an investigation into human trafficking, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation said.

What we know:

Healing Foot Spa located at 565 West Oates Rd. in Garland was ordered to shut down for six months after a visit by inspectors in December. They are unable to open a new location or a different business in the same spot.

Inspectors said they found items that usually indicate commercial sex services, including underwear, pregnancy tests and an ATM in the lobby. The business was advertising on illicit websites.

The business violated the law by allowing people to live there and an unlicensed employee was found under a massage table after a customer left the room, a release states.

The agency said it wasn't the first time a business has been investigated at the address.

What we don't know:

It is unclear if the business will be allowed to reopen following the six-month emergency closure.

The agency did not say if the business's owner would face any charges.

Big picture view:

Lawmakers in 2023 passed a law that allows the Department of Licensing and Regulation to order an emergency closure if a business is suspected of human trafficking.

The agency said this is the 18th time an emergency order has been issued.


The Source: Information in this article comes from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulations.

GarlandCrime and Public Safety