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Nine massage businesses throughout Southeast Texas received some unwelcome visitors as multiple law enforcement agencies joined forces to execute search warrants on Jan. 10. The massage parlors were suspected of promoting prostitution and human trafficking.
According to information provided by the Office of the Texas Attorney General on Jan. 11, Texas became the first state to make human trafficking an offense in 2003 and has set a nationwide example for combatting trafficking over more than two decades.
“The OAG aggressively prosecutes traffickers and conducts trainings across the state to raise awareness of the issue,” the agency provided. Although not cited as part of the Southeast Texas investigations taking place at the beginning of January, the Texas Attorney General Office, as well as the federal Department of Justice and U.S. Attorneys’ Office, mark January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month nationwide.
According to a joint statement by the Orange Police Department (OPD) and Orange County District Attorney’s (DA) Office, local law enforcement agencies noticed an influx of massage parlors opening throughout the city in August 2023, which initiated an investigation long before awareness month initiatives were planned. The investigation resulted in a series of search warrants being executed at seven massage parlors throughout Orange and the cities of Bridge City, Pinehurst and Vidor, and another spa possibly linked in Beaumont.
All the raids were coordinated to commence at the same time, at 9 a.m., according to OPD Sgt. Isaac Henry III. Investigators with OPD, West Orange PD, Bridge City PD, Pinehurst PD and Vidor PD prepared affidavits for search warrants that were approved by the DA’s Office for the following locations:
• Anna Spa, 1005 Green Ave., Orange
• A1 Massage, 2968 North 16th St., Orange
• Jade Flower, No. 11 Strickland Dr., Orange
• Panda Spa, 7014 State Highway 87, Orange
• Star Massage, 3515 Mockingbird No. C, Pinehurst
• Rainbow Massage, 2070 No. B Texas Ave., Bridge City
• Thai Sunlight Spa, 120 West Bolivar, Vidor
The warrants were granted by Orange County 128th District Court Judge Arkeen.
During the execution of the warrants, evidence consistent with human trafficking, promotion of prostitution, prostitution and organized criminal activity was reportedly located. One patron was arrested for prostitution at Anna Spa.
Investigators confirmed sexual acts were being performed by female employees of several massage parlors in exchange for money. They also believed the female employees were victims of human trafficking and reached out to local federal agencies to assist with the investigation.
The investigation is ongoing and future arrests are expected.
Assisting with the execution of the search warrants were OPD, Orange County District Attorney’s Office, West Orange PD, Pinehurst PD, Bridge City PD, Vidor PD, Beaumont PD, Orange County Constable Pct. 1 Lannie Claybar and Homeland Security Investigations.
Orange Police Chief Lane Martin and Assistant District Attorney Krispen Walker did not provide comments on the raids.
In neighboring Jefferson County the same day, investigators from the Beaumont Police Department secured and executed a prostitution-related search warrant at the Long Long Health Spa, 5425 College St.
Two females were detained, along with evidence of prostitution, and multiple building and code violations were discovered. The business, owned by Sandy Ko, was closed by the Fire Marshal’s Office and Code Enforcement Department.
According to Officer Haley Morrow, BPD spokesperson, the case is still under investigation and arrests will more than likely come after the case is filed and warrants are issued.
In Hardin County, Silsbee PD officers executed a search warrant at the Jade Flower Asian Massage, 295 State Highway 327, reported Police Chief Shawn Blackwell. SPD arrested two female suspects on prostitution charges, but SPD is still investigating.
Arrested were Jiahong Shen, the owner, for aggravated promotion of prostitution, prostitution and operating an unlicensed massage parlor; and Yafang Mao for promotion of prostitution, prostitution and operating an unlicensed massage parlor.
A notice of surrender and eviction dated Jan. 10 was posted on the parlor's front door by S & D Realty Management of Silsbee. The notice cited the tenants due to noncompliance of the lease agreement signed on Sept. 8, 2023. The tenants had three days to vacate the premises.
Blackwell noted SPD began investigating the parlor following a tip in November and the investigation was carried out independently from the others in Orange and Jefferson County.
“These devastating crimes violate the most basic of human rights – freedom,” U.S. Attorney serving the Eastern District of Texas Damien Diggs said.
According to data provided by Diggs, those most vulnerable to trafficking crimes are unhoused youth, refugees or migrant workers, those with substance abuse disorders, survivors of past violence, members of minority populations based on sexual or gender identity, persons with disabilities, and those who have been in the foster care system. “Every day in the United States and worldwide these crimes are taking place, stripping people of their dignity, and forcing them into a life of fear and a state of servitude.”