Executive Summary
- St. Joseph County Health Department revoked the license of “New Feeling Massage” in Mishawaka.
- Inspectors cited obstructed windows, unlicensed staff, and lack of owner identification as key violations.
- The enforcement utilizes new county ordinances effective January 1 targeting human trafficking.
- Officials blocked a re-occupancy attempt linked to the previous operator and are reviewing 30 other establishments.
MISHAWAKA, Ind. — St. Joseph County officials have revoked the operating license of a Mishawaka massage parlor following an investigation that cited multiple violations of recently enacted regulations designed to combat human trafficking. The closure of “New Feeling Massage” on Lincolnway East marks a significant enforcement action under legislation that took effect on January 1, aimed at identifying and dismantling illicit operations fronting as legitimate businesses.
According to the St. Joseph County Department of Health, the facility was issued a red “Order to Close” notice after inspectors identified several non-compliant conditions. County officials reported that the establishment had obstructed exterior windows, and an employee managing the front desk was unable to provide the identity of the business owner. Furthermore, investigators noted that no licensed massage therapist was present on-site, and staff observed an unlicensed individual performing massage therapy on a client who was not fully clothed.
St. Joseph County Council President Bryan Tanner (D) stated that the new regulations were drafted specifically to empower local authorities to take decisive action against “bad actors” in the industry. “I knew that with our updated regulations, massage parlors’ licensure penalties against them that were passed this past year, we were on the lookout for ‘bad actors’, bad facilities. But it’s our new regulations that allowed this to be a more decisive and permanent action,” Tanner said.
The crackdown was also driven by community reports. Neighbors near the establishment told reporters they had observed suspicious activity, including male patrons parking at a distance and attempting to conceal their presence while entering the building. “Just seeing men park their vehicles where they shouldn’t be parked and watching where they’re going the whole time. They’re walking to the establishment as if they don’t want to be seen,” a local resident stated.
Following the closure, authorities received an application to reoccupy the space. However, officials indicated that the applicant was flagged due to potential ties to the previous operator, leading to a denial. Council President Tanner noted that the Department of Health is currently scrutinizing approximately 30 other establishments within the county for similar indicators of illicit activity.
Regulatory Enforcement Strategy
The closure of this establishment underscores a strategic pivot in St. Joseph County’s approach to public safety and vice control. By utilizing administrative health and zoning codes—such as window visibility requirements and strict licensure verification—local government is establishing a mechanism to disrupt suspected human trafficking operations without solely relying on long-term criminal vice investigations. This method allows for immediate cessation of business operations when safety guidelines are violated, effectively removing the infrastructure used by potential traffickers while criminal inquiries may proceed in parallel.
It is important to note that while administrative actions have been taken against the business, all individuals and entities are presumed innocent of criminal charges until proven guilty in a court of law.
