2 women rescued from human trafficking at Bellingham massage parlor

BELLINGHAM, WASH. — On Tuesday, two women were rescued from the 33 Mansion Mental Massage Spa in Bellingham. Both are believed to be victims of human trafficking.

That bust came after multiple complaints from the community, a months-long investigation, and the involvement of at least four different law enforcement agencies. That includes the Whatcom Gang and Drug Task Force, as well as Customs and Border Protection.

They say that the spa had been advertising online, suggesting women were available for various commercial sex acts. After executing a search warrant, officers found several code violations. No business or massage licenses were located on the premises.

Even more troubling is the fact that the seedy establishment sat directly across the street from Carl Cozier Elementary School.

“We were definitely aware of concerns within the community and immediately passed them on to law enforcement,” says Dana Smith, the Assistant Director of Communications for Bellingham Public Schools.

And, although it is concerning something like this was happening in such close proximity to a school, the silver lining is that it wasn’t a major issue for students or faculty.

“We have great security protocols in place here. Never did any activity impact the school day or the kids’ education. But, regardless of where this kind of alleged activity is happening, it has no place in Bellingham.”

Furthermore, some businesses in the area had previously been in touch with law enforcement agencies about the spa. While others, like Bio Bug (which sits right next door), were completely unaware.

Lucy Cornwell, the Director of Business Operations at the neighboring pest management company acknowledges that she’ll be more conscious of her surroundings following the revelation.

“All I can really hope for is that that is the only thing going on around here. But I’ll definitely kind of have more of an eye out in this area, now that we have kind of found out about that.”

Because the investigation is still pending, investigators were unable to provide any further details.

But the bust comes as welcome news for a concerned community…especially with the school year right around the corner.

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