Denton massage parlor forced to close for investigation of suspected human trafficking - AOL

[Brayden Garcia]

Brayden Garcia

October 2, 2024 at 9:55 PM

Getty Images



A Denton massage parlor has been closed for an investigation into suspected human trafficking.

The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation announced Wednesday that it has issued a six-month emergency closure order (effective Sept. 30) for Tao Spa, 1005 W. University Drive.

Spa owner Xiaohang Chen has been ordered to stop operating the massage parlor, and is prohibited from operating other massage businesses at the location for six months, the department said in a press release.

In mid-September, TDLR inspectors and Denton County Sheriff’s Office deputies visited Tao Spa, where they found that neither onsite employee were licensed massage therapists, according to the release.

Both employees were dressed “provocatively” and an ATM was found in the middle of the business, TDLR said. Department investigators also found online ads that advertised sexual services offered at Tao Spa.

The department said a massage establishment license is required to operate this type of business, which Tao Spa did not have.

More top stories from our newsroom:

→ Mom of woman who died in jail brings daughter’s ashes to commissioners

→ First responders mourn firefighter, reserve officer killed in motorcycle crash

→ New name at Fort Worth-area Tex-Mex restaurant

[Get our breaking news alerts.]

“Anyone operating a massage establishment in Texas that is not licensed as required should know that we at TDLR take seriously our responsibilities for protecting clients and employees of massage establishments,” TDLR executive director Courtney Arbour said. “We will do what is necessary to make sure that establishments and employees are licensed and that establishments are operating in accordance with the law.”

Since House Bill 3579 went into effect in September 2023, the TDLR executive director has had the ability to issue emergency closing orders for massage parlors if suspected human trafficking is occurring.

The Tao Spa closure is the 12th emergency order issued by TDLR since the law went into effect, and is the first to close an unlicensed massage establishment.

A few weeks ago, TDLR issued its ninth and 10th emergency orders to close two Burleson massage parlors for suspected human trafficking.

Anyone who suspects human trafficking is occurring can contact the National Hotline for Human Trafficking at 1-888-373-7888 or text HELP or INFO to 233-733. A complaint regarding a business suspected of human trafficking can also be filed through the TDLR’s website.