FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 5, 2025

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PolicePIO@slc.gov

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SLCPD Continues Targeted Enforcement to Help Ensure Community Safety at Massage Therapy Businesses

SALT LAKE CITY — The Salt Lake City Police Department (SLCPD) continues its commitment of helping to ensure community safety and lawful operations at local massage therapy businesses.

Through coordinated, and ongoing, enforcement efforts, the SLCPD remains focused on protecting our community from illegal activity and safeguarding vulnerable persons who may be exploited in these environments.

The SLCPD’s Special Investigations Unit (SIU) serves as the city’s primary enforcement division responsible for ensuring compliance with state and local ordinances related to massage therapy businesses and other laws.

While the SLCPD enforces applicable laws, it is not the regulatory agency for these businesses.

Administrative oversight and licensing authority for massage therapy professionals and businesses falls under the Utah Division of Professional Licensing (DOPL).

The SLCPD works closely with DOPL and other city departments to ensure these businesses operate in compliance with applicable rules and regulations.

As part of its enforcement responsibilities, the SLCPD conducts random inspections and, occasionally, undercover operations to make sure massage therapy establishments and employees are not offering or engaging in illegal sexual activity under the guise of legitimate services.

In May 2025, SLCPD’s SIU detectives conducted six undercover operations in Salt Lake City’s Ballpark neighborhood in response to community concerns of potential illegal conduct occurring during massage therapy appointments.

As a result of these investigations, the SLCPD is working with the city and DOPL to address identified violations at five of the six locations. Due to the ongoing nature of these investigations, no specific details about the businesses can be released at this time.

The SLCPD acknowledges that in previous cases, some massage therapy businesses have also been connected to elements of human trafficking.

The SLCPD remains committed to identifying and addressing these cases, while partnering with state and local agencies to hold offenders accountable and provide appropriate resources and care for potential victims.

In addition to its enforcement efforts, the SLCPD fully supports recent legislative changes that enhance regulatory tools and strengthen oversight of massage therapy businesses.

The SLCPD supports House Bill 278 (Massage Therapy Amendments), which passed this legislative session, and establishes stricter licensing guidelines and prevents individuals with certain criminal histories or previous violations from obtaining new business licenses.

The SLCPD remains committed to proactive enforcement, collaborative partnerships, and legislative support that strengthens public safety, protects legitimate businesses, and ensures that massage therapy services are delivered ethically and lawfully.

Anyone with information about suspected illegal activity at massage therapy businesses is encouraged to call 801-799-3000.

The information contained in this news release is based on a preliminary review of the details available to the Salt Lake City Police Department. As the investigation progresses, information may change.

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