A massage facility in Round Rock, Texas, has been shuttered on suspicions of human trafficking, as reported by FOX 7 Austin. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation (TDLR) enforced a six-month emergency closure on ML Massage, located at 3001 Joe DiMaggio Blvd., Suite 650B, effective from March 19.

The owners, Xihui Peng and Jisheng Spa LLC, have been ordered to cease operations and are also forbidden to re-establish any massage business at this location. Investigations by the Williamson County Sheriff's Office revealed the facility was allegedly providing sexual services, a violation that led to the emergency order.

Details emerged from a TDLR inspection that found an employee residing within the premises, alongside evidence of a falsified massage therapist license. The worker, hailing from California, was evidently kept in the dark about the illicit nature of the services she was expected to provide upon her arrival, according to KXAN.

"The employee … was from California and had not been told before arriving at the establishment that she would be required to provide sexual services to customers," TDLR stated. "On busy days, she serviced customers back-to-back all day. Without transportation or familiarity with the area, she was unable to leave the establishment where she lived and worked." In light of these findings, the community is urged to act if they suspect instances of human trafficking. They can contact the National Hotline for Human Trafficking at 1-888-373-7888 or text HELP or INFO to BeFree (233733). For cases of immediate danger, 911 should be called immediately.

To report suspicions regarding TDLR-regulated businesses potentially involved in human trafficking, complaints can be filed directly with the department. Vigilance within the community is crucial to combat and prevent the exploitation of individuals through such illegal activities.