Illicit massage businesses leave Billings 2 years after law [Video]

A 2-year-old ordinance aimed at shuttering illicit establishments that use massage therapy and spa services as a front for commercial sex and human trafficking in Billings is at the center of a lawsuit in federal court.

City officials, however, say the new ordinance is working as designed and has been a success.

Ronning served on the City Council when the ordinance was approved. She said years of work went into the regulations, which were carefully crafted to deter establishments selling illicit sexual services and protect professional massage therapists who are state-licensed health care providers.

Billings had at least 15 businesses that were using massage as a front for commercial sex when the ordinance took effect three years ago, according to the FBI.

“It’s been very effective,” Ronning said. “For the most part, the illicit businesses appear to be …