Twelve illicit massage parlors in Morgan Hill, California were shut down by police as part of an 18-month operation to combat human trafficking and prostitution. The crackdown came after the city updated its municipal code to tighten requirements for massage businesses.
The authorities made multiple arrests on suspicion of pimping, pandering, supervising prostitution activities, and soliciting prostitution. The shuttered parlors included A&M Health Center, Angel Beauty Spa, and TWNS Spa among others.
According to police, some of the businesses were advertising sexual services online or were caught by investigators providing sex. Others had contraception in the rooms, lied on their permit applications, or were promoted as places for illicit activity. The alleged sexual activity occurred both after hours and during regular business hours.
The city's decision to crack down on illicit massage parlors came after an "unprecedented" increase in applications for massage business permits following similar businesses being closed across the Bay Area. To address this issue, Morgan Hill partnered with reputable massage businesses, law enforcement, and other organizations to update its municipal codes.
The updated code requires all massage therapists to be certified by the California Massage Therapy Council and stipulates that front windows cannot be covered and doors to massage rooms cannot have locks. Owners of establishments denied permits are also barred from reopening another massage business in the city for at least five years.
While authorities praised their efforts, Administrative Sgt. Christopher Woodrow described the process of investigating illicit massage businesses as "time-consuming" and "often frustrating." Capt. Mario Ramirez added that some businesses left the city after their licenses were revoked, while others hired attorneys to appeal the decision.
The crackdown is part of a broader national effort to combat human trafficking in the massage industry. California is home to more than a quarter of the estimated 10,000 illicit massage parlors operating across the United States.
The authorities made multiple arrests on suspicion of pimping, pandering, supervising prostitution activities, and soliciting prostitution. The shuttered parlors included A&M Health Center, Angel Beauty Spa, and TWNS Spa among others.
According to police, some of the businesses were advertising sexual services online or were caught by investigators providing sex. Others had contraception in the rooms, lied on their permit applications, or were promoted as places for illicit activity. The alleged sexual activity occurred both after hours and during regular business hours.
The city's decision to crack down on illicit massage parlors came after an "unprecedented" increase in applications for massage business permits following similar businesses being closed across the Bay Area. To address this issue, Morgan Hill partnered with reputable massage businesses, law enforcement, and other organizations to update its municipal codes.
The updated code requires all massage therapists to be certified by the California Massage Therapy Council and stipulates that front windows cannot be covered and doors to massage rooms cannot have locks. Owners of establishments denied permits are also barred from reopening another massage business in the city for at least five years.
While authorities praised their efforts, Administrative Sgt. Christopher Woodrow described the process of investigating illicit massage businesses as "time-consuming" and "often frustrating." Capt. Mario Ramirez added that some businesses left the city after their licenses were revoked, while others hired attorneys to appeal the decision.
The crackdown is part of a broader national effort to combat human trafficking in the massage industry. California is home to more than a quarter of the estimated 10,000 illicit massage parlors operating across the United States.
like how can people even do that? 
these businesses were basically hiding in plain sight, exploiting vulnerable women... it's sickening 
and I love that Morgan Hill stepped up to address the issue - updating those municipal codes was a total game-changer. 
now those massage parlors gotta follow some real guidelines, like being certified by the California Massage Therapy Council... no more shady dealings! 
It's crazy how some businesses would take advantage of vulnerable people like that 
And I think it's awesome that they're working with reputable massage businesses and organizations to update their municipal codes 
The new requirements for certified therapists and no locks on doors are definitely a step in the right direction 
I mean, 12 illicit massage parlors got shut down & it's def a step in the right direction. The city's new municipal code is all about keepin' the legit massage businesses safe n sound. 
I'm low-key impressed by the partnership w/ reputable massage businesses, law enforcement, & orgs 2 tackle dis issue head-on.
. Anywayz, at least da police r doin their thang & crackin down on da illicit activities! 
the updated municipal code is everything and more - certified therapists, clear window policies, and no more hiding behind permit applications 
the police did say it was a time-consuming process but I get that kinda thing comes with the territory 
anyway i think its awesome that the city took action and partnered up with legit businesses, law enforcement, etc to update their codes. now they're making it harder for those bad ppl to operate... lets hope this trend keeps up and more cities follow suit 
on the bright side, hopefully this crackdown will help bring down more of these illicit businesses and keep people safe 
, but at least they're being held accountable.
. It's only natural that law enforcement is cracking down on them now that they're making it harder for these businesses to get permits 
.
. This isn't just about stopping human trafficking; it's also about creating a safe environment for legitimate massage therapists who actually care about their customers 
. We need to support these guys 
apparently they found condoms and stuff in the rooms 
but still, its sad that people get exploited like thats normal 
. Its great that Morgan Hill stepped up & made changes to their code tho 
just saw this news and i'm like totally appalled lol. who thought it was a good idea for ppl to advertise sex services online or lie on permits? 
these business owners need to get caught up in reality, you feel? 
. And now they're gone and the city is better off for it 
.
And what's with the city partnering up with massage businesses and law enforcement? That seems like a pretty cool idea, but also kinda like they're just pushing all the problem under the rug or something. I don't know, maybe I'm just being too contradictory again... 
And the fact that some of them even had contraception in the rooms is just, like, crazy talk. It's not like they were trying to make it look legit or anything.
. We gotta take a stand against human trafficking and exploitation - it's just not okay, you know? 
But at the same time, I'm thinkin' about all the victims who've been affected by these businesses... and now they're left with nothin', no safe place to turn 
. Fingers crossed that more cities follow suit and we can start to tackle this issue nationwide 