News Summary
The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation has ordered the closure of ML Massage in Round Rock for six months amid serious human trafficking allegations. An investigation revealed that the business was allegedly providing sexual services and that an employee held a fake massage therapist license. Owner Xihui Peng faces misdemeanor charges related to licensing violations. Community members are urged to report any signs of human trafficking as the case unfolds.
Round Rock’s ML Massage Ordered to Close Amid Human Trafficking Concerns
In a surprising turn of events, the city of Round Rock has seen a massage facility, ML Massage, face an emergency closure due to serious allegations of human trafficking. Located at 3001 Joe DiMaggio Blvd., Suite 650B, this establishment has been ordered to shut its doors for a duration of six months starting from March 19. This bold move comes from the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) as part of an ongoing investigation into activities occurring within the facility.
Investigation Uncovers Disturbing Practices
A thorough investigation led by the Williamson County Sheriff’s Office has revealed troubling evidence that suggests ML Massage was not just a regular massage parlor but was allegedly offering sexual services. The authorities had a hunch something was off after conducting regular inspections that ultimately confirmed their suspicions. One major turning point occurred when inspectors stumbled upon an employee living at the massage facility with a fake massage therapist license. This unwitting employee had recently moved from California and was reportedly unaware that her duties would encompass providing sexual services.
In a shocking revelation, the employee mentioned that she was often servicing clients back-to-back all day long. To make matters worse, she found herself confined to the facility with little means to escape due to transportation challenges and her unfamiliarity with the local area. This is a situation that raises many eyebrows regarding labor conditions and the treatment of employees in such establishments.
Legal Ramifications and Next Steps
The closure of ML Massage was implemented under House Bill 3579, a law allowing the immediate halting of operations for massage establishments suspected of human trafficking activities. As part of the fallout from this investigation, the owner of the facility, Xihui Peng, now faces a misdemeanor charge concerning a violation related to massage therapy licensing. It appears that the charges have resulted in Peng posting a bond of $5,000, as documented by records from Williamson County Jail.
The Bigger Picture: Community Awareness
As law enforcement continues to dig deeper into this case, community members are being encouraged to stay vigilant. In light of these troubling findings, local authorities are reminding residents to keep an eye out for any signs of human trafficking. The public is urged to give a call to the National Hotline for Human Trafficking at 1-888-373-7888 for any concerns or suspicions they may have. Additionally, in situations that require immediate action, dialing 911 is always the best course of action.
This case sheds light on a darker aspect of local businesses that many might overlook. While most massage facilities operate legitimately, occurrences like those reported at ML Massage are a stark reminder of the potential for exploitation in seemingly innocuous places.
Concluding Thoughts
The closure of ML Massage will not only impact the owner and the involved employee but also prompt a variety of reactions within the Round Rock community. As the investigation unfolds and the legal processes take place, everyone must remain aware and supportive of efforts to combat human trafficking and ensure safe working environments for all. This incident highlights the need for continuous awareness and vigilance in the fight against such violations of human rights.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- KXAN
- Wikipedia: Human Trafficking
- FOX 7 Austin
- Google Search: Round Rock Massage Parlor Closure
- CBS Austin
- Google Scholar: Massage Parlor Human Trafficking
- Hoodline
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Human Trafficking
- KVUE
- Google News: Round Rock Massage Parlor Closure
