07/29/2026
PRESS RELEASE
Illicit Massage Parlor Abatement Operation
From June 23–26, 2026, the Denton County Sheriff's Office Human Trafficking Unit, in partnership with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR), conducted licensing inspections at 18 massage parlors throughout Denton County as part of an ongoing effort to combat human trafficking and related criminal activity.
The operation involved multiple local agencies, including the Lewisville, Carrollton, Flower Mound, and The Colony Police Departments, as well as Fire and Code Enforcement personnel. The Vermont State Police and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) provided Chinese-speaking translators, while nonprofit organizations, including Denton County Friends of the Family and Mosaic House Dallas, offered services to potential trafficking victims.
Prior to the inspections, DCSO investigators developed probable cause and obtained search warrants for five businesses as part of ongoing criminal investigations.
The operation resulted in:
- Four massage parlors closed on the day of inspection.
- Six businesses had evidence documented initiating administrative closure procedures by TDLR for serious violations.
- Eight businesses cited for additional licensing violations.
Evidence gathered during the operation led to:
- Five aggravated promotion of prostitution cases were initiated.
- Two operating without a license cases filed.
- Two individuals taken into custody for immigration status violations.
- One reported outcry of human trafficking, which remains under investigation.
- $2,132 in cash seized.
The Denton County Sheriff's Office 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.
