Crime & Safety
Morgan Hill Police Shut Down 12 Illegal Massage Parlors
The Human Trafficking Institute estimates more than 10,000 illicit massage businesses operate nationwide, with over a quarter in California.
MORGAN HILL, CA — Morgan Hill police said they shut down 12 illicit massage businesses over an 18-month investigation, part of a larger effort to curb illegal activity tied to massage establishments across California.
Twelve businesses were denied permits or had permits revoked, police said.
The businesses include A&M Health Center, Angel Beauty Spa, Body Care Foot Spa, Body Care Massage, Elegant Foot Spa, Flower Day Spa, Laura Health Center, Lucky Spa, Morgan Hill Spa, New Times Massage, September Day Spa, and TWNS Spa, according to a press release issued Thursday.
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Sgt. Christopher Woodrow said IMB investigations can be difficult due to organized operations and victims unwilling to testify.
Still, Woodrow said the department's multidisciplinary approach helped ensure the closures were upheld on appeal.
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The department also reportedly submitted several criminal charges to the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office, including pimping, pandering and supervising prostitution, police said.
The Human Trafficking Institute estimates more than 10,000 illicit massage businesses operate nationwide, with over a quarter in California. In response to a spike in permit applications after several Bay Area closures, Morgan Hill officials updated the city's municipal code in 2024 and again in 2025 to strengthen oversight.
Police said the revised rules, created in partnership with legitimate massage businesses and the California Massage Therapy Council, helped investigators identify operations advertising sexual services, falsifying applications or engaging in illegal sex acts.
Officials encouraged anyone with information about similar activity to contact the city's Licensing Division at license-permits@morganhill.ca.gov.
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