DENTON COUNTY, Texas - A multi-agency operation targeting human trafficking and illegal activity at massage parlors resulted in business closures, criminal investigations, immigration arrests and the rescue of a potential trafficking victim, according to the Denton County Sheriff's Office.
The operation was conducted June 23-26 by the Denton County Sheriff's Office Human Trafficking Unit in partnership with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation. Investigators conducted licensing inspections at 18 massage parlors across Denton County as part of an ongoing effort to combat human trafficking and related criminal activity.
The operation included assistance from the Lewisville, Carrollton, Flower Mound and The Colony police departments, along with local fire and code enforcement officials. The Vermont State Police and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement provided Chinese-speaking translators, while nonprofit organizations Denton County Friends of the Family and Mosaic House Dallas assisted by offering services to potential trafficking victims.
Before the inspections, investigators developed probable cause and obtained search warrants for five businesses as part of ongoing criminal investigations.
According to the sheriff's office, four massage parlors were closed on the day of the inspections. Evidence documented at six additional businesses initiated administrative closure proceedings by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation for serious licensing violations, while eight businesses were cited for additional licensing violations.
The investigation also resulted in two criminal cases involving operating without a license and the initiation of five aggravated promotion of prostitution cases.
Authorities said two individuals were taken into custody for immigration status violations.
Investigators also reported one human trafficking victim came forward during the operation. That investigation remains active.
In addition, deputies seized $2,132 in cash during the operation.
The Denton County Sheriff's Office said it remains committed to working with local, state and federal partners to investigate human trafficking, hold offenders accountable and connect victims with the services they need.
The investigation remains ongoing.
