City of Springfield releases names of 11 massage parlors that were shut down - The State Journal-Register

[Tom Ackerman]

• 11 massage establishments close for failing to apply for permit and for lacking licensed massage therapists.
• Concerns about human trafficking and prostitution prompted the regulation in May.
• No arrests have been announced as of Feb. 4, 2025.

Days after announcing the closure of multiple massage parlors in Springfield, officials have revealed more information.

The city announced Tuesday that a total of 11 parlors were closed down.

The businesses are now restricted from working in Springfield, as result of ongoing efforts by the city to make sure the parlors are adhering to local laws and licensing requirements.

Here's what we know.

Which massage parlors are closing?​

• Healthy Spa
• Capital Spa
• Cozy Cabin Spa
• Jade Spa
• Illinois Relax Spa
• Q2 Asian Massage
• Royal Massage
• Sunshine Massage/Providence Massage
• Sunflower Massage
• Red Bean Spa
• Fitness Massage

Authorities did not provide addresses to the parlors that were shut down.

More:Several massage parlors fail inspections, forced to close in Springfield

Why is the city stopping these businesses from operating?​

These businesses either failed to apply for necessary permits with the city or did not have a licensed massage therapist on-site during inspections, according to a press release from the city.

"This is an ongoing effort to ensure businesses operating in Springfield adhere to local laws and maintain the proper credentials to provide services safely and legally," Mayor Misty Buscher said in a news release. “We will continue to monitor compliance and take necessary action to protect the well-being of our community."

City attorney Greg Moredock last week told The State Journal-Register that several of the businesses closed Jan. 31 after a slew of inspections on that day. Three of the closed locations had never submitted an application for a license in the first place and inspectors had found the places remaining in operation.

If a closed location fails their inspection and continues operating, Moredock said the city can take administrative action with fines, or enforcement of closure through circuit courts.

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Was there concern about human trafficking and prostitution?​

Yes. This past May, concerns about human trafficking and prostitution prompted the working committee of the Springfield City Council to send an ordinance to the consent agenda, requiring the parlors to register annually with the city.

Some of the parlors or spas also reportedly advertised on illicit adult websites.

The city passed the new ordinance last June which requires all massage parlors in the city to be licensed and up to code with licensed massage therapists and inspections from multiple city branches.

48 of the parlors were determined to be unlicensed from September to Dec. 21. After three rounds of letters from the city regarding inspection, three locations closed voluntarily.

Did anyone get arrested?​

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The issue sparked public comment and conversation among City Council members at a late January Committee of the Whole meeting, where Springfield Police Chief Ken Scarlette was asked to talk about what police were doing about it.

The FBI division of the State Police has conducted investigations into human trafficking and continues to conduct those investigations, Scarlette said. In such an investigation, Scarlette said he aims to deconflict with other agencies involved.

“The last thing I want to do, is number one get up here and say something that may impact an ongoing investigation, so I try to be very careful when it comes to that,” the chief said.

Scarlette added that he doesn’t always have the luxury of knowing what’s going on when it comes to federal investigations.

“They don’t call the local leaders and share some of that sometimes.”

Chief Scarlette emphasized, though, that the SPD is aware of alleged illegal activity happening at some of the parlors.

“I’m going to do my damndest to make sure that that doesn’t happen in the city of Springfield,” he said.

A public information officer with the Illinois State Police referred the SJ-R to local law enforcement for information when asked about whether any arrests have been made, but police have not responded.

(This story has been updated because an earlier version included an inaccuracy.)

Tom Ackerman covers breaking news and trending news along with general news for the Springfield State Journal-Register. He can be reached at tackerman@gannett.com.