CYPRESS, Texas — The State of Texas shut down a massage establishment in Cypress after inspectors found potential signs of human trafficking.
The state licensing department (TDLR) initially issued a six-month emergency closure at Gen Spa on the 1700 block of Fry Road after a recent routine inspection.
"The people who were inside the building were very reluctant to let the inspector inside," said TDLR spokesperson Tela Mange.
Once inspectors got inside, they found multiple signs of suspected human trafficking.
"There was lingerie and high-heeled shoes in the laundry area of the establishment," Mange said. "There were unlicensed employees who were providing massages."
After the emergency closure, the owner Changjiang Zhong signed a July 17 settlement agreement in which he agreed to close for good.
No criminal charges were filed but TDLR said the owner previously had his massage license revoked and still owes $21,000 for various violations.
"We are taking this very seriously and we are going to continue to defend vulnerable people who may be being trafficked," Mange said.
It’s only the second time such an order has been issued in Texas under a new state law.
The first order was issued at a Houston massage business in June. Seven other affiliated businesses were also shut down over human trafficking concerns.
"In both instances, before even a month was out, the owners of these establishments have said, 'You know what, I’m going to just get out of the business," Mange said.
TDLR encourages anyone who sees something suspicious at a massage business to report it.