Emergency Closure of Massage Parlor in Texas Over Illegal Activities
In a disheartening turn of events for the local community, city officials have announced the emergency closure of a massage parlor located just two blocks off Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. The establishment, known as ReJuve Massage Spa, has come under scrutiny for offering illegal sexual services and raising suspicions of human trafficking. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) issued a press release, detailing the six-month closure order that took effect on October 15.
Details Surrounding the Closure
ReJuve Wellness LLC, which operates as ReJuve Massage Spa at 1704 San Antonio St., will not only face a license suspension but also significant reputational damage. The spa’s owner, identified as Dongming Lu, has yet to respond to requests for comment. The investigation revealed troubling findings, including unlicensed massage therapists working at the establishment. Furthermore, there were reports of sexual services being provided and online advertisements containing detailed sexual content.
Interestingly, this was not a standalone case. A second massage establishment, located further from the campus, was also ordered to close at the same time. This move reflects a growing concern about illicit activities often associated with massage parlors.
The Broader Issue of Human Trafficking
The implications of this closure are far-reaching, with the U.S. Department of State highlighting that human trafficking involves situations that mirror slavery, forced labor, or involuntary servitude. According to a 2019 report by Children at Risk, an organization dedicated to researching child poverty and inequality, Texas reportedly has nearly 700 illicit massage businesses operating within its borders.
Bruce Kellison, co-director of UT’s Institute on Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, emphasized the link between massage parlors and illegal activities. He noted, “We know from interviewing law enforcement around the state that massage parlors are often fronts for prostitution and sex trafficking services.” The concern is that while people seek relaxation and relief from stress, they may unknowingly stumble into a world of exploitation.
New Legislative Measures
This emergency closure is noteworthy as it marks the thirteenth emergency closure issued by the TDLR since the passing of House Bill 3579 in September 2023. This groundbreaking law has empowered the executive director of the department to shut down establishments suspected of involvement in human trafficking with immediate effect. As Kellison pointed out, traditional law enforcement lacks the authority to close a business based solely on findings of illegal activity.
Tela Mange, the communications manager for TDLR, shed light on what often follows such closure notices. She stated that most owners who face a six-month shutdown typically choose to permanently close their businesses and forfeit their massage licenses. “If, at the end of the six months, the owner in this case has not taken those actions, we will move forward in the process of revoking their license(s),” she shared in an email.
Understanding the Signs of Human Trafficking
The unsettling reality is that many may not realize they are witnessing human trafficking until it is too late. Authorities encourage anyone who suspects that human trafficking might be occurring to reach out to the National Hotline for Human Trafficking at 1-888-373-7888.
In conclusion, the recent closure of ReJuve Massage Spa serves as a stern reminder of the disturbing underbelly of exploitation that can exist within seemingly innocent businesses. For now, the community watches closely, hoping this action will help combat the broader issue of human trafficking and illegal activities lurking within the shadows.
