Human Trafficking Task Force Roundup Nets License Violations

December 16, 2011 10:36 amBy: James Limbach

Officers from local, state and federal agencies inspected almost two dozen massage parlors across Fairfax County earlier this week.
The simultaneous inspections were part of continuing efforts to ensure all procedures and protocols of these establishments are in compliance with Virginia safety and employment codes.
The initiative was conducted by the Northern Virginia Human Trafficking Task Force and inspections took place Wednesday, December 14, between 2 and 9 p.m. Twenty-three businesses were checked and officers attempted to check 38 others. At this point, 17 charges have been placed, but additional charges are pending further investigation.
“The vast majority of improprieties concern licensures of the employees; fortunately, we did not find any violations of human trafficking,” said Fairfax County Police Organized Crime and Narcotics Division Assistant Commander, Lieutenant Chris Marsh.
Joint operation
The operation involved the following task force members:

• U.S. Immigration Customs Enforcement (ICE),
• Virginia State Police,
• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI),
• Department of State,
• Prince William County Police Department,
• Town of Herndon Police and zoning officials,
• Town of Vienna Police Department along with Fairfax County zoning, code compliance, regulation and licensing and Fire Marshall Officials.

Representatives from the Polaris Project, a nationwide network dedicated to combating human trafficking, were also present to assist officers with potential victim interviews.
“Human trafficking, or illegal slave labor, is an issue we take very seriously; we want to make sure there are not businesses or employers here in Fairfax County involved in this activity, “said Lt. Marsh, “We will continue to be vigilant on this heart-wrenching and tragic problem.”
Charges lodged
Charges were placed against individuals at the following locations:

• VIP SPA         462 HERNDON PKWY STE 108B  HERNDON VA
• HERNDON THERAPY                    201 ELDEN ST STE 204       HERNDON VA
• SILVER RAIN          2238 GALLOWS RD STE B VIENNA VA
• G & G WELLNESS CENTER          8460 TYCO RD STE A         VIENNA VA
• SUNRISE       6051 ARLINGTON BLVD. #F         Falls Church, VA
• CROWN THERAPY4605 PINECREST OFFICE PARK DR STE G       ALEXANDRIA VA
• LIBERTY                   4810 BEAUREGARD ST STE G7   ALEXANDRIA VA

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Crime Solvers by phone at 1-866-411-TIPS/8477, e-mail, by texting “TIP187” plus your message to CRIMES/274637 or call Fairfax County Police at 703-691-2131.