Colorado Springs police and the El Paso County Sheriff’s Office have resumed a series of inspections targeting local massage businesses. The joint effort, conducted in July and August, examined 18 establishments in the city and surrounding unincorporated county. Only five businesses met every requirement of the city’s massage‑business licensing ordinance.
Inspection results and citations
Of the 18 locations inspected, three were operating without a valid license and ten were licensed but failed to follow all licensing standards. Violations included having an unlicensed therapist on the premises, not displaying the required license, and allowing employees to reside at the business. The inspections resulted in 15 misdemeanor citations.
Background and enforcement lapse
The renewed crackdown follows a 2019 KRDO13 investigation that uncovered massage businesses advertising sexual services online. That reporting prompted Colorado Springs to adopt a specific licensing ordinance, giving law‑enforcement a tool to address illicit operations. However, enforcement waned after 2022, with the police issuing only two citations in 2023 and none for more than two years.
KRDO13’s recent investigation highlighted that online advertisements for sex services continued to appear, prompting Mayor Yemi Mobolade to direct the police to resume periodic enforcement actions. Two months later, the inspections are underway.
Official statements
CSPD Chief Adrian Vasquez said the inspections aim to enforce licensing rules while allowing detectives to uncover more serious criminal activity such as prostitution, human trafficking, or labor trafficking. “While there are massage businesses in our community that are legitimate and law‑abiding, we must hold accountable those that operate illegally or fail to meet licensing requirements,” Vasquez said.
El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal emphasized the partnership between the sheriff’s office and CSPD, noting that deputies are assigned to the Internet Crimes Against Children/Human Trafficking task force. “Criminals who exploit legitimate businesses and prey upon vulnerable individuals have no place in our community,” Roybal said.
Impact on businesses and next steps
The city’s licensing office will work with cited establishments to bring them into compliance or, if necessary, revoke their licenses. Detectives plan to continue random inspections to ensure ongoing adherence to state and municipal standards.
KRDO13 Investigates will keep tracking the outcome of these citations and any further actions taken against businesses that fail to comply.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
