Officials temporarily shutter doors on three SA massage parlors suspected of human trafficking - KENS5.com

[Andrea Carden]

Investigators say they found an unlicensed employee who lived on-site providing massages and possibly sex services for money, which is illegal.



SAN ANTONIO — Officials with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) have shuttered three San Antonio-area massage parlors for six months due to suspected illegal activity.


The six-month emergency closure order was effective as of January 21, 2025, and temporarily closes three massage establishments.


Rudy E. Lopez and Huang Ping Lopez own three locations in San Antonio and do business under the name of Ping's Best Foot Massage.


The pair were ordered to stop operating these massage businesses and are prohibited from operating a different massage establishment at these locations for six months, according to TDLR.


A complaint was received last year in June of 2024 alleging that sexual activity was occurring at one of their locations.


An investigation by TDLR staff revealed that "several illicit websites contained consumer reviews that discussed services received at the establishment." Then in November of 2024, San Antonio Police conducted an undercover investigation at one of the locations.


That police investigation uncovered an unlicensed employee providing massage services, as well as indicating that she was living at the establishment, and possibly providing sexual services onsite for money, which is not allowed under state law.


"HB 3579, passed in the 88th Legislature Regular Session, went into effect Sept. 1, 2023. Under the law, TDLR’s executive director can issue an emergency order halting the operation of any massage establishment if law enforcement or TDLR believes human trafficking is occurring at the establishment," said TDLR.


This is the 17th emergency order issued by TDLR since the law went into effect, and the first closing multiple locations owned by the same person.


If you suspect human trafficking is occurring at an area business, you can can contact the National Hotline for Human Trafficking at 1-888-373-7888 or text HELP or INFO to BeFree (233733). If the situation is an emergency or you believe someone is in immediate danger, call 911 and alert the authorities.


You can also file a complaint on a TDLR-regulated business that you suspect may be participating in human trafficking.