Signs of illicit massage parlors and what you can do to report a suspicious one

Cameron Probert
·2 min read
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The discovery of more Tri-City massage parlors engaging in suspected human trafficking raises questions about what people can do.

The strip mall store fronts are hard to distinguish on sight. Most accused of running illicit operations in the most recent busts had a veneer of credibility, including business licenses from the city.

What they don’t have is licenses from Washington state as massage therapists, say Kennewick police.

The status of a massage therapy license can be checked online at the state Department of Health.

Also, Sgt. Chris Littrell said going to a massage therapist should feel similar to going to a doctor’s office. Normally, they’ll have their business and medical licenses posted.

“If you’re not filling out medical paperwork that should be a clue,” he said.

If it seems that people are living in the business, are working long or unusual hours or show signs of physical or sexual abuse, it’s likely the business is not legitimate.

A complaint can all be filed to state health officials online.

The problem of human trafficking extends beyond massage parlors, said Mirror Ministries Executive Director Tricia MacFarlan. She said most people who are trafficked in the Tri-Cities are local.

Watch for a potential victim’s change of behavior, whether the person starts to isolate themselves or starts being severely obsessed with their phone or carrying a second phone.

What can you do?

DeliverFund, a nonprofit that works with police agencies on human trafficking issues, said you shouldn’t confront the suspected trafficker or try to save the victim.

“It is up to law enforcement to investigate suspected cases of human trafficking,” the organization said.

Littrell said it’s important for community members to share what they see with police. Reports of being offered illegal acts or other questionable behaviors give officers a direction to focus their investigations.

While police don’t want you to confront someone but the more information you have, the better police can respond.

DeliverFund suggests taking note of:

▪ What indicators are there of trafficking and how is the person acting?

▪ What does the person look like? Where are they and who are they with?

▪ Take down license plate numbers, vehicle information, the time of day and the address of the location.

You can share information either through the non-emergency dispatch line anywhere in Benton and Franklin counties at 509-628-0333. But if you see an emergency situation call 911.

Kennewick also has an anonymous tip line at www.kpdtips.com.