The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) has issued a 12-month emergency closure order effective December 8, for three massage establishments in Houston and Spring for suspected human trafficking, according to a December 18 press release from the department.

These establishments owned by Mario A. Cortez were ordered to halt operations and he is prohibited from operating a different massage establishment at the locations for the next 12 months:

· Ya Ya Spa/SG Spa, 5920 Highway 6 N, Suite 1004, Houston

· K Massage, 6317 N. Eldridge Parkway, Suite 105, Houston

· YQ Foot Massage, 4334 FM 2920, Suite 130, Spring

TDLR found a pattern at all three locations that indicates that they all are being used as fronts for illicit activity and that human trafficking could be occurring, both things that are direct violations of massage therapy laws and rules. No licensed massage therapists were employed at any of the locations as required by state law. HB 3579, passed in the 88th Legislature Regular Session, went into effect Sept. 1, 2023. Under the legislation authored by State Rep. Benjamin Bumgarner and sponsored by State Sen. Phil King, TDLR’s executive director can issue an emergency order halting the operation of any massage establishment if law enforcement or TDLR find evidence or indicators that human trafficking is occurring at the establishment.

Anyone who suspects human trafficking is occurring can contact the National Hotline for Human Trafficking at 1-888-373-7888 or text HELP or INFO to BeFree (233733). If the situation is an emergency or you believe someone is in immediate danger, call 911 and alert the authorities. You can also file a complaint on a TDLR-regulated business that you suspect may be participating in human trafficking at www.tdlr.texas.gov/complaints/.

About TDLR

TDLR provides regulatory oversight for a broad range of occupations, businesses, facilities, and equipment in Texas, including the Texas Lottery and Charitable Bingo programs. The agency protects the health and safety of Texans by ensuring they are served by qualified, licensed professionals. Inspections of individuals, businesses, and equipment are done on a regular basis to safeguard the public. Currently, the agency regulates 41 business and occupational licensing programs with more than 1,000,000 licensees across the state. Visit TDLR’s website for more information and resources. You can search the TDLR licensee database, and also find past violations in which a final order was issued against companies or individuals. TDLR’s Customer Service line is available anytime between 8 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at 1-800-803-9202.