Full Notification

12 SUSPECTED ILLICIT MASSAGE BUSINESSES SHUT DOWN IN MORGAN HILL
 
The Human Trafficking Institute estimates there are 10,000+ illicit massage businesses (IMBs) in the United States with more than 25% operating in California. Los Angeles County, Santa Clara County, and Orange County have the highest number of IMBs in the nation.
 
In 2023, the City of Morgan Hill recognized the need to address an unprecedented increase in massage establishment permit applications following highly publicized closures of similar businesses throughout the Bay Area.
 
Working in partnership with reputable Morgan Hill massage businesses, California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC), Santa Clara County IMB (Illicit Massage Business) Coalition, and other local law enforcement agencies, the City updated the appropriate municipal code section to balance the needs of legitimate businesses with the safety of our community.
 
Owner of Rooted Republic, located on W. 1^st St in Morgan Hill, Sarah Ellingson explained the “permitting process is extensive and thorough which demonstrates how seriously the city takes protecting the community from illegal activity. When you visit a licensed massage therapist, you’re entering a professional healthcare environment. We follow strict codes of ethics, maintain state licensure, and uphold the same professional boundaries you’d expect in any other healthcare setting. By supporting legitimate, licensed massage therapists, our community helps protect the integrity of the profession and ensures that therapeutic touch remains a safe, respected, and valuable form of care.”
 
The updated Municipal Code went into effect May 2024 with an additional update adopted the following June 2025. As a result of the collaborative changes, the Morgan Hill Police Department has shut down a total of 12 IMBs during an 18-month long operation. The shuttered businesses were often found to be advertising sexual services online, promoted as a place for illegal sexual activity, were untruthful in the application process, had contraception in rooms, or were caught in a sex act by our investigative team.
 
The following businesses were either denied a permit or had an existing permit revoked.
 

• 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
• TWNS Spa

 
“Investigating IMBs is a time consuming and often frustrating process due to the sophistication of the operation, fear instilled in some of the trafficking victims, and false information circulating online.” said Administrative Sergeant Christopher Woodrow. “We took a multidisciplinary approach which included developing profiles from permit applications, communicating with other agencies, and working on tips from community members. What we know and what we can prove must align. Resources were often declined and there were no victims of human trafficking willing to provide testimony against their suspected traffickers which meant our team had to work even harder to ensure our decisions were not overturned on appeal.”
 
The Morgan Hill Municipal Code explains the permitting and application process as well as the appeals process guaranteed under the 14^th Amendment. Captain Mario Ramirez said, “Some of the IMBs left town the day they were shuttered, others hired an attorney and filed appeals; however, the hard work and dedication of our team ultimately prevailed in all instances where suspected sexual activity was occurring”.
 
Some of the businesses listed may come as a shock to regular customers. Part of the sophistication to the operation is how the IMB will integrate into the community. Sexual activity may be expected during off-hours; however, our investigation revealed it also occurred during regular business hours with legitimate massages booked just around the same times.
 
Bonni Kelley, owner of Pono Wellness located in downtown Morgan Hill, served as a strategic partner with the police department and thanked the investigative team for “all the hard work to keep the city safer and ensuring the profession was treated with respect.”
 
In addition to the administrative actions taken by the City of Morgan Hill to shutter the IMBs, the Morgan Hill Police Department made multiple arrests and submitted charges to the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office including;
 

• 266h(a) PC - Pimping
• 266i(a)(1) PC – Pandering
• 653.23(a)(1) PC – Supervise prostitution activities
• 647(b)(1) PC – Soliciting prostitution

 
 
Anyone who may have information regarding similar incidents is encouraged to contact our Licensing Division at [email protected]
 
Information can also be given anonymously at:  https://www.morganhill.ca.gov/FormCenter/Police-14/Morgan-Hill-Crime-Stoppers-88 or 1-800-222-TIPS.