Springfield increases massage parlor restrictions to combat human trafficking

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - This week, Springfield City Council approved an ordinance requiring massage parlors to register with the city. City leaders cited concerns of human trafficking, including a federal investigation at one location in the city.

Under the new ordinance, parlors that don't register will face daily fines and other consequences.

"It's $250 to $750 per day of operating without a license," said Greg Moredock, Corporation Counsel for the City of Springfield. "In addition to that we have the ability to prohibit occupancy of any building that is being used in violation of this ordinance. So not only can we find them, we can immediately prohibit individuals from residing or being in those buildings, which is even stronger than our than our zoning code currently allows."

This rule is in addition the licensing requirement Illinois has for massage therapists.

Carol Merna, the CEO for the Center for Prevention of Abuse, says massage parlors are one of the key industries used for human trafficking. She said in Sangamon County alone, there are 30 illicit massage facilities.

"Cities need some local control over making sure that they're reputable businesses and they are safe for the people that work there and the patrons that use them," said Merna. "We see a lot of victims work there ... many of whom are from Korea or China."

She said these victims are also coerced into entering the country believing they will receive legitimate employment. They are then told that if they tell police that they were trafficked, they will be deported.

"There are about 9,000 illicit massage facilities across the country and profit-wise they make about 2.5 billion dollars a year in illicit funds," said Merna. "Massage facilities are practicing commercial sex, which is a heinous crime and a human rights violation."

Ward 8 Alderwoman Erin Conley said these fines wouldn't be imposed on legitimate businesses randomly. The city will reach out to businesses to make sure they know how to comply.