Two women were arrested on licensing-related offenses after investigators searched a downtown business and neighboring residence Friday.
AT A GLANCE
Incident: Search warrants executed at Ashland massage parlor and neighboring residence
Date: November 6, 2026
Business: 99 China Massage Parlor
Locations: 290 and 254 N. Main Street, Ashland, Oregon
Investigation: Suspected illicit activity and possible human trafficking
Arrests: Two female employees arrested on licensing-related offenses; identities not yet established
Agencies Involved: Ashland Police, Oregon DOJ, Oregon State Police, Jackson County Sheriff's Office, Grants Pass Police, and Oregon Board of Massage
Status: Active investigation; evidence collection ongoing
ASHLAND, Ore. — Two women were arrested Friday, November 6, after authorities executed search warrants at a downtown Ashland massage parlor and an adjacent residence as part of an ongoing investigation into suspected illicit activity and possible human trafficking.
“This investigation began in August 2026 after the APD received complaints of possible illicit activity taking place at this location as well as possible human trafficking”
The Ashland Police Department said the investigation began in August following complaints involving 99 China, a massage business located at 290 N. Main Street.
"This investigation began in August 2026 after the APD received complaints of possible illicit activity taking place at this location as well as possible human trafficking," Ashland Police Chief Tighe O'Meara said in a statement Friday.
Ashland Massage Parlor Investigation: Law enforcement officers enter 99 China massage parlor at 290 N. Main Street in Ashland during the execution of a search warrant on November 6, 2026. The search was part of an ongoing investigation into suspected illicit activity and possible human trafficking. Photo: Ashland Police Department.
Over the following three months, detectives with the department's Criminal Investigations Division investigated the allegations, leading to the execution of search warrants at the business and a neighboring residence at 254 N. Main Street.
Friday's operation involved personnel from the Ashland Police Department, Oregon Department of Justice, Oregon State Police, Jackson County Sheriff's Office, Grants Pass Police Department, and Oregon Board of Massage.
According to O'Meara, two female employees were arrested and lodged on offenses associated with operating a massage parlor without the required licenses.
Police said the identities of the two women had not been established at the time of the department's announcement.
Although allegations of possible human trafficking were among the complaints that prompted the investigation, authorities have not announced any human trafficking charges or confirmed that trafficking occurred at the location.
Investigators continued collecting evidence following the searches. Police have not disclosed what evidence was recovered or whether additional arrests or charges are anticipated.
"The APD would like to stress that this investigation is ongoing, with evidence being collected," O'Meara said.
Police indicated that additional information may be released as the investigation progresses.