Nevada cosmetology board revokes two licenses, imposes fines after disciplinary hearings

The Nevada State Board of Cosmetology on March 24 voted to revoke two salon licenses for 10 years and directed payment of administrative fines and investigation costs after disciplinary hearings that the division said showed unlicensed or unlawful conduct at the establishments.

The decisions came after the division presented complaints and evidence in two separate matters. In the case against Maryland Spa (Complaint C2024-0884; license no. 709130), the division said the respondent declined to appear and the board proceeded on default, admitting mailed exhibits and testimony from chief compliance officer Jane Huggins that certified notice had been delivered to a last-known address obtained through a skip trace. The division asked the board to accept the factual allegations and to adopt recommended discipline, including maximum administrative penalties under the cited statute and revocation. The board found the facts proven and carried a motion to revoke the Maryland Spa license for 10 years and impose administrative fines and cost recovery as presented.

In the hearing against Asian Massage (Complaint C2024-130; business at 2605 S. Decatur), the board heard testimony from Las Vegas Metro detective Officer Zachary, who described an undercover operation on Oct. 30. "I approached the business, posing as a customer... I paid her $60 for the 30-minute massage. During the course of the massage, an act was negotiated for $200," the officer testified. The division said the establishment failed to properly supervise the premises and allowed prostitution-related conduct. The licensee, who participated with a translator, declined to call additional witnesses. After questioning and deliberation, the board voted to accept the division's factual record, find violations occurred, and carry a motion to revoke the Asian Massage license for 10 years and assess administrative fines and investigation and attorney costs.

Division counsel stated the penalties requested included the administrative fine amount referenced in the complaint (described in hearing as up to $2,000 per violation), recovery of investigator costs and attorney fees, and long-term revocation of licensure to protect public safety and uphold regulatory standards.

The board recorded motions and carried votes on each disciplinary action; members directed staff to prepare the written orders implementing revocation, fines and cost recovery. No additional sanctions or appeal outcomes were announced at the meeting.

The board continues to publish disciplinary dockets and will post final orders when they are issued.