Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton comments during a press conference in Dallas (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Attorney General Ken Paxton announced he has filed a lawsuit alleging “operating an illegal massage business” in connection with an Austin-based massage parlor.
According to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), Paxton filed a nuisance abatement lawsuit in Williamson County Court seeking an injunction against the massage parlor, alleging violations of the Civil Practices and Remedies Act.
“This lawsuit was brought after an investigation conducted by the Attorney General's Office's Human Trafficking Criminal Investigation Unit uncovered evidence of illegal sexual activity occurring at this business,” OAG said in a statement.
KXAN asked Williamson County Court for the defendant's response to the lawsuit and also called the massage parlor for a statement, but did not receive a response.
According to OAG, there are an estimated 1,000 illegal massage businesses operating in Texas.
“These businesses sell commercial sex under the guise of legitimate massage services, and many of the women employed at such establishments are victims of human trafficking. “We are committed to eradicating these illegal businesses and sending a message that they will not be tolerated in our communities,” OAG said.
