YOUNGSVILLE, La. — Federal and local authorities raided a Youngsville spa on Monday, arresting one person for unlawful entry and reentry into the U.S. The bust comes amid an ongoing investigation into suspected illegal activity at Relax Spa Massage and repeated licensing issues with the Louisiana State Board of Massage Therapy.
The raid was conducted by the Youngsville Police Department with assistance from Louisiana State Police, Homeland Security, and the State Fire Marshal's Office.
In a statement, Youngsville police said the investigation began after “multiple community complaints regarding suspected illegal activity” at the business, located in the 900 block of Savoy Road. Officers made contact with the business on June 16 as part of the multi-agency operation.
After police cleared the scene, the spa’s doors were locked and signs turned off. Phone calls to Relax Spa Massage went unanswered.
KATC Investigates found that numerous complaints have been filed against the spa over the years. A representative with the Louisiana State Board of Massage Therapy confirmed the business has been cited several times. In 2023, the board issued a cease and desist notice to the company, though the notice did not specify what action the company was ordered to stop.
We reached out to the board to ask what the letter was about, and this is what they sent us:
"In regards to Relax Spa Massage, the Cease and Desist was issued for operation without proper licensure. Despite the issuance of the cease and desist order, the business investigated by enforcement agencies continued to operate without licenses. The Board’s office reports signs of illicit activity and human trafficking to law enforcement with authority to enforce criminal laws and to local governmental agencies with authority to regulate businesses."
Here's the letter:
