EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – A massage parlor in West El Paso is temporarily closed due to multiple alleged violations of the Texas Occupations Code (OCC) and the Civil Practice and Remedies Code, the El Paso County Attorney’s Office announced Wednesday, June 5, in a news release.
Photos courtesy of the El Paso County Attorney’s Office
El Paso County Attorney Jo Anne Bernal obtained a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) to temporarily close Joy Spa which is located at 7224 N. Mesa.
“The closure comes as a result of an ongoing investigation into the establishment’s illicit activities which included providing erotic services, such as sexual contact and employing unlicensed massage therapists,” read the news release.
In the application for the TRO, the County Attorney’s Office alleges that undercover El Paso Police Department (EPPD) Vice detectives paid for and received massage services on three occasions. On all three occasions, an employee offered to perform sexual acts for money, according to the news release.
The County Attorney’s Office said that the lawsuit also alleges that Joy Spa repeatedly employed unlicensed massage therapists and failed to keep accurate records of massage therapy services and billing information as required by the OCC.
On January 10, a Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) inspection revealed that an employee who had previously worked at a different massage establishment that was shut down for similar violations was again providing massage services without a license, according to the news release.
The County Attorney’s Office said that the evidence in the case was presented to the 210th District Court and the request for a TRO was approved by the Honorable Judge Alyssa Perez.
The establishment will remain closed at least until June 17, and a hearing for the court to consider the approval of a Temporary Injunction is scheduled for June 12, according to the news release.
“The closure of Joy Spa represents another step in the County Attorney’s efforts, along with the EPPDs Vice unit, Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation and partners at the Texas Anti-Gang Center to combat illegal activities in massage establishments,” read the news release. “The court order to temporarily close the establishment is a result of the State’s determination to protect the well-being and safety of the community.”
“Businesses like this one operate in violation of the law and without regard for the health and safety of their employees and the public,” said El Paso County Attorney Jo Anne Bernal. “This type of illicit activity will not be tolerated, and we will continue to work to shut down businesses that choose to operate in this manner.”
Read: Read More