BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Two victims of human trafficking were rescued from a massage parlor across from an elementary school in Bellingham.
The Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office says concerned citizens tipped them off a few months ago about the possible trafficking taking place at 33 Mansion Mental Massage Spa.
The spa is located across from Carl Cozier Elementary School on Lincoln Street.
Investigating officers found multiple online ads for the spa suggesting that women were available to perform sexual acts for money.
The Whatcom Gang and Drug Task Force and Bellingham Police Department were part of a multi-agency response that executed a search warrant on the spa on Tuesday, Aug. 13. During the search, deputies rescued two human trafficking victims who were offered resources by Homeland Security.
The Sheriff’s Office says that the property owners are getting sent notices of non-compliance after officers found several code violations during the search. The Sheriff’s Office adds that they did not find any business or massage licenses.
No other information is being released at this time, as the investigation is ongoing.
