Coordinated Enforcement Strengthens Community Safety and Public Trust
ST. GEORGE, La. (September 16, 2025) — The City of St. George, working in partnership with the St. George Fire Department, the East Baton Rouge Parish Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), has successfully shut down multiple illegal massage establishments operating within the city.
Over the past week, four businesses voluntarily closed following enforcement actions by the City. Today, the City, in coordination with Fire Department officials, further advanced these efforts by terminating utility services at an additional four locations, bringing unlawful operations to a halt.
These actions were carried out under the City’s Massage Establishment Ordinance (No. 2025-012), enacted to regulate businesses, protect workers, and safeguard the community. The coordinated crackdown targets illegal activities often linked to unlicensed massage parlors, including prostitution, human trafficking, and money laundering.
“Our top priority is protecting the health, safety, and well-being of St. George residents,” said the City’s Program Director and Chief Building Official in a joint statement. “By shutting down businesses operating illegally, we are sending a clear message: these practices will not be tolerated. We remain committed to ensuring our community is safe, lawful, and thriving.”
The City underscores its strong support for legitimate, law-abiding businesses, while reaffirming that those operating without proper licensing or in violation of local and state laws will face strict enforcement. This initiative marks a significant step forward in strengthening public safety and community confidence, reinforcing the City of St. George’s dedication to protecting residents from unlawful and harmful practices.