CLARKSTOWN, N.Y. — In an aggressive crackdown on illicit massage parlors, the Town of Clarkstown and its police department have launched a robust enforcement initiative aimed at eradicating illegal establishments. Town Supervisor George Hoehmann and Police Chief Jeff Wanamaker announced decisive legal actions, citing concerns over human trafficking, public safety, and unlawful business operations.
The initiative, unprecedented in scope, goes beyond routine police investigations. Clarkstown has taken legal measures in the State Supreme Court to permanently close establishments found violating town codes. This approach signals a clear message: illegal operations will not be tolerated.
“We are committed to ensuring that all businesses operate within the law and uphold the safety and well-being of our residents,” Hoehmann said. “Illegal massage parlors often serve as fronts for human trafficking and other illicit activities, and we will not tolerate these operations in our community.”
Extensive Investigations Uncover Illegal Activities
The crackdown began in October 2024, following concerns from local residents. Complaints about unlicensed massages and alleged prostitution at various establishments prompted the Clarkstown Police Department’s Street Crime Unit to launch extensive investigations. Undercover operations and surveillance uncovered a network of illicit businesses operating under the guise of legitimate spas.
Arrests soon followed. Multiple individuals were taken into custody on charges related to their involvement in these illegal operations. Among those apprehended were:
- A 51-year-old woman from Queens, N.Y., was arrested twice in October 2024 at Oasis—Happy Spa, 46 Lake Road, Congers.
- A 59-year-old woman from Fort Lee, N.J., was arrested in November 2024 at HNS Spa, 159 Route 304, Bardonia.
- A 58-year-old woman from Queens, N.Y., was arrested in November 2024 at HNS Spa, 159 Route 304, Bardonia.
- A 54-year-old woman from Forestdale, Mass., was arrested twice in January 2025 at Oasis Spa, 46 Lake Road, Congers.
- A 41-year-old woman from Fort Lee, N.J., was arrested in January 2025 at Nanuet Day Spa, 344 West Route 59, Nanuet.
- A 45-year-old woman from Queens, N.Y., was arrested in February 2025 at Great King Spa, 16 Route 9W, Congers.
- A 50-year-old woman from Palisades Park, N.J., was arrested in February 2025 at Maggie Spa, Route 59, Nyack.
Each defendant received an appearance ticket requiring them to return to the Town of Clarkstown Justice Court for further proceedings.
Community Involvement Drives Law Enforcement Efforts
Chief Wanamaker emphasized the critical role residents played in the investigation.
“We would like to extend our gratitude to the community members who brought their concerns to our attention, enabling us to take swift and decisive action,” Wanamaker stated. “These arrests underscore the vital role of community involvement in identifying and addressing unlawful activities.”
The crackdown extends beyond law enforcement. Code enforcement officers and town attorneys are pursuing legal actions against non-compliant establishments. Businesses operating without proper licensing are being cited and brought before the court. Landlords who rent to these illicit enterprises face injunctions to remove the businesses from their premises, with the town arguing that they constitute ongoing public nuisances.
Violations include operating without a certificate of occupancy, lacking a massage license, and engaging in zoning violations. Clarkstown’s zoning laws prohibit brothels, and town officials stress that they will take all necessary actions to shut down violators.
A Model for New York State
Supervisor Hoehmann lauded the efforts of law enforcement and town officials, positioning Clarkstown as a leader in tackling illegal businesses.
“We will continue to take action against those who seek to exploit and operate outside the law,” he said. “Clarkstown’s code enforcement strategy serves as a model for the state, and we will not back down.”
The town’s aggressive stance sends a strong message to business owners, landlords, and potential bad actors. Establishments that operate outside the law will face immediate consequences, including court-ordered shutdowns and criminal charges.
How Residents Can Help
Clarkstown officials urge residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious businesses or activities. Reports can be submitted through the town’s My Clarkstown App or by calling the non-emergency police at 845-639-5800.
Police remind the public that a criminal complaint is an accusation, and each defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Clarkstown’s crackdown on illegal massage parlors underscores its commitment to upholding the law and protecting its residents. With law enforcement, legal action, and community involvement working in tandem, authorities are determined to rid the town of businesses that engage in illicit activities.
Disclaimer: All individuals mentioned in this article have been arrested and charged but are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. A criminal complaint is merely an accusation; no legal conclusions should be drawn until due process is completed.
Mathew Alvarez joined Rockland Daily News as a reporter in March 2020, but he’s no stranger to Rockland County. He grew up in New City and graduated from Ball State’s College of Communication, Information, and Media.