Four massage therapy establishments in Denton County have been shut down following a multi-agency investigation into suspected human trafficking operations. The closures occurred after inspectors identified evidence of serious violations at the businesses during a series of licensing checks conducted in late June.
From June 23 through June 26, the Denton County Sheriff's Office Human Trafficking Unit worked alongside the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation to inspect 18 massage parlors located within the county. The coordinated effort aimed to identify and disrupt criminal activity linked to human trafficking.
During the inspections, officials determined that four locations warranted immediate closure. Additionally, evidence was discovered at six other businesses that triggered administrative closure procedures for severe regulatory violations. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation oversees these administrative actions.
The investigation also resulted in law enforcement outcomes beyond the business closures. Authorities detained two individuals for violations related to their immigration status. Furthermore, five cases of aggravated promotion of prostitution were initiated based on the findings.
Support for the operation came from several local police departments. Officers from Lewisville, Carrollton, Flower Mound, and The Colony assisted the Denton County Sheriff's Office in executing the inspections and gathering evidence.
