Staff
The El Paso Journal
Friday, January 20, 2023 | 16:59
Step.- The El Paso County District Attorney’s Office has obtained a Temporary Restraining Order against a massage parlor located at 5435 N Mesa, Ste. C, where the alleged illegal activity has been occurring since March 2022.
On Thursday night, the establishment, Tokyo Massage, was closed pending the outcome of a preliminary injunction hearing scheduled for Monday, January 30, 2023 at 9:00 am at the 448th District Court.
The lawsuit is the result of coordinated work between the El Paso Police Department’s Vice Unit, the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) and the El Paso County District Attorney’s Office.
Investigation of the business has revealed repeated violations, including operating without a license, employing unlicensed therapists and evidence that sexual services were offered on the premises.
Tokyo Massage, whose customer base was almost exclusively male, also advertised erotic services. The investigation also showed that the company has a reputation for providing sexual services on the premises.
The evidence of the case was presented yesterday in the 448th District Court, and the request for a Temporary Restraining Order was approved by the Honorable Sergio Enríquez. The establishment was closed yesterday and will remain closed at least until January 30, when the Court will hear the evidence to consider the approval of a Precautionary Measure.
The County Attorney’s Office received a grant from the Governor’s Office for Innovative Civil Enforcement and Community Protection to Combat Human Trafficking in El Paso and will continue to identify businesses that promote or profit from human trafficking.
“In partnership with law enforcement, we are taking additional steps to identify any businesses that may be involved in illegal activities such as prostitution and human trafficking,” El Paso County District Attorney Jo Anne Bernal said.
“Our goal is to address any negative impact on our community and support legitimate businesses,” Bernal concluded.
