Austin massage business temporarily closed for suspected human trafficking - KVUE.com

[Britny Eubank]

This is the third Austin spa closed by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation in the past few months.



AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) is temporarily shutting down another Austin massage business for suspected human trafficking.


In late October, the TDLR said it received a complaint from someone about JT Spa on Ranch Rock 620 in northwest Austin. The person claimed an employee offered sexual services while she was providing a massage.


TDLR inspectors and investigators conducted an on-site inspection of the business and found that at least two employees were living at the spa. At least one employee providing massages was not licensed, and inspectors also found other items that are prohibited at a massage business.


On Monday, Dec. 2, TDLR issued an emergency closure order for the business for six months.


This is the third local massage business to be closed by the TDLR due to suspected human trafficking in the past two months. The others were Rejuve Wellness, located on San Antonio Street in Downtown Austin, and Bibo Spa, located on Parmer Lane in northeast Austin.


Under Texas House Bill 3579, which went into effect in September 2023, TDLR’s executive director can issue an emergency order halting the operation of any massage establishment if law enforcement or the TDLR believes human trafficking is happening there.

Other spa closures this year​

In February, the Texas Attorney General's Office sued Essence Massage on Pond Springs Road in northwest Austin over allegations of prostitution.


Then in May, the AG's office closed Sun Spa, also located on Pond Springs Road, after an investigation revealed illicit sexual activity had allegedly been happening at the business.