Several state, federal and local law enforcement agencies joined forces over the past 7 months to investigate human trafficking involving several massage parlors in Central Texas. The investigation was broadened to include prostitution and organized crime activity and officials announced on Tuesday that they have made 13 arrests.

According to KWTX News 10, The Bell County Organized Crime Unit coordinated raids on massage parlors in Temple, Killeen and Harker Heights which led to the arrest of 6 people on various charges including prostitution, aggravated promotion of prostitution and massage therapy owner violations. Raids were also conducted on massage parlors and residences in nearby Georgetown and Round Rock which netted 7 arrests for similar charges.

The multi-agency effort led by the Georgetown and Round Rock police departments also included the Cedar Park Police Department, Houston Police’s Vice Unit and Human Trafficking Task Force, Killeen Police Department, Harker Heights Police Department, Temple Police Department, Bryan Police Department, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the U.S. State Department. - KWTX News 10

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