EVERETT – A total of 19 massage business have closed down or been condemned after the city passed a tougher ordinance in June to address suspected criminal activity involving prostitution and human trafficking, according to Everett Police and Fire Departments.
Eleven have shutdown and eight more have been condemned, according to the investigation. A total of 44 locations suspected of operating illicit massage businesses within the city were observed and contacted in accordance with the new ordinance, EMC 8.72 Massage and Reflexology.
The joint investigation by Everett Police and Fire included the Washington Attorney General’s Office. It identified suspected illicit massage businesses through online reviews, advertisement and community tips. These businesses, investigators say, use the appearance of providing legitimate massage services to conceal illegal activity, including prostitution and concerns that workers may be victims of exploitation or trafficking.
During the enforcement scrutiny, the Everett investigation focused on:
• Unlicensed massage services
• Inadequate business credential
• Fire and building deficiencies
• Suspected reoccupation after closure or condemnation
• Areas used for sleeping or habitation inside of commercial properties.
The investigation revealed some of the massage businesses often include areas of unpermitted, haphazard modifications that pose life-safety risks. Of particular concern, officials said, as some of these spaces are used by workers for sleeping or habitation, contrary to building and safety codes.
If evidence of trafficking was encountered during inspections, the goal was to prioritize employee and victim safety while simultaneously providing access to social resources, according to the joint investigation.
“I want to thank our investigators and officers for their careful work beginning in the earliest phases of this process,” said Everett Police Chief Robert Goetz. “Throughout the course of this operation, they remained committed to transparency, professionalism, and ensuring all parties access to services if needed.”
Officers attempted in-person contact with all 44 suspected IMBs. Bilingual officers spoke directly with employees and operators. Printed materials were provided in the primary language of those present and included a summary of the ordinance and resources on workplace rights, working conditions and human trafficking. Where no contact was made, materials were left at the business and/or mailed to the operator.
Following the education campaign, the Everett Police and Fire Marshal’s Office conducted inspections at the businesses that were still in operation. The Fire Marshal’s Office joined in part due to concerns that people may have been living and sleeping at locations that did not meet minimum fire and life safety standards. Each business received the same standard fire inspection conducted at any other business in Everett.
The Criminal Justice Division of the AG’s Office collaborated with the Everett officials and used information provided by The Network, a data-driven nonprofit that identifies illicit massage businesses and supports law enforcement investigations. Based on that information, the AG’s Office contacted the landlords of 23 businesses in Everett to inform them that their tenant may be operating an illicit massage business in violation of State and local law. The AG’s Office also provided information about human trafficking. In response to these letters, 11 businesses closed and vacated.
“We’ve made significant progress in shutting down massage businesses suspected of illegal activity in Everett – and we’re committed to continuing this work,” said Everett Mayor Cassie Franklin. “I’m grateful to our police, fire department, CARE team and the Attorney General’s Office for their coordinated effort to hold business owners accountable while also ensuring workers know that support and resources are available.”
In June, at the direction of Franklin, the Everett City Council approved updated city code to address illegal activity at massage businesses. These changes were designed to protect public safety, support licensed businesses and help prevent criminal activity from unlicensed operations. Key changes in the ordinance included installing penalties for operating without required licenses and certifications, allowing the City to inspect businesses to check for compliance, and creating penalties to hold landlords accountable if they knowingly rent to businesses breaking these laws.
To date, the Everett Fire Marshal’s Office and Everett Police Department have inspected 28 businesses. Eight of those businesses were condemned, and two others are under review for possible further action.
During inspections, fire inspectors identified a range of fire and life safety hazards, including electrical and plumbing work completed without permits, extension cords used in place of permanent wiring, fire extinguisher deficiencies and dryers venting into walls and attic spaces.
Inspectors also found blocked exits and improper door hardware that could lock people inside the building, requiring special tools or knowledge to exit during an emergency, which fire code does not allow in commercial spaces.
“Fire and life safety inspections help us find hidden hazards before an emergency happens,” said Everett Fire Marshal Kurtis Brown. “Those hazards put occupants, neighbors, and responding firefighters at greater risk if a fire breaks out. When we find fire code violations, we work with business owners on the corrections needed to stay open or reopen safely, and we refer any building, code compliance, or licensing concerns to our city partners.”