The Lufkin Police Department headed up a multi-agency massage parlor prostitution sting Thursday.
The operation led to the arrest of one woman on a charge of prostitution and the closure of Blue Water Spa at 709 Atkinson Drive Suite C and Lufkin Massage at 505 S. Timberland Drive.
Detectives launched an investigation into illicit activities at the locations following citizen complaints.
The Texas Department of Public Safety, Angelina County Sheriff’s Office and Nacogdoches County Sheriff’s Office participated in Thursday’s operation.
Due to the implication of sex trafficking, representatives from local advocacy groups Unbound Now and Family Crisis Center of East Texas joined the sting to provide services to possible sex trafficking victims.
City of Lufkin Code Enforcement shuttered the businesses citing ordinance violations, according to Asst. City Manager Gerald Williamson. In addition to illicit operations, detectives found that Lufkin Massage employees were living at the establishment.
“We will be having conversations with the property owners to make sure they’re fully aware of how sinister these places are and the tragic effects they have on people who are trafficked,” Williamson said.
“We in Lufkin watch for this type of activity and we never intend to allow it in our community. We will take strong enforcement action any time we see it.”
The investigation into these businesses is ongoing, and anyone with information is asked to call the Department at 936-633-0356 or Crime Stoppers at 936-639-TIPS.
© Copyright RawNews1st
