Clarkstown cracks down on enforcement of alleged illegal massage parlors

Clarkstown police and town officials say they have cracked down on massage parlors accused of breaking the town code and other alleged illicit activities. It's an effort they thank the public for because people sent in tips - and they encourage them to continue.

Diane Caruso

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Mar 6, 2025, 10:35 PM

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Updated 9 hr ago

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Clarkstown police and town officials say they have cracked down on massage parlors accused of breaking the town code and other alleged illicit activities.

It's an effort they thank the public for because people sent in tips - and they encourage them to continue.

"If you see anything illicit, if you see anything illegal, please reach out to the police department." said Police Chief Jeff Wanamaker.

Ultimately, seven women were arrested at five businesses within the town between October 2024 through last month:

51-year-old female from Queens, NY—Arrested on two separate dates in October 2024 at Oasis—Happy Spa, 46 Lake Road, Congers
59-year-old female from Fort Lee, NJ—Arrested in November 2024 at HNS Spa, 159 Route 304, Bardonia
58-year-old female from Queens, NY—Arrested in November 2024 at HNS Spa, 159 Route 304, Bardonia
54-year-old female from Forestdale, Massachusetts—Arrested on two separate dates in January 2025 at Oasis Spa, 46 Lake Road, Congers
41-year-old female from Fort Lee, NJ—Arrested in January 2025 at Nanuet Day Spa, 344 West Route 59, Nanuet
45-year-old female from Queens, NY—Arrested in February 2025 at Great King Spa, 16 Route 9W, Congers
50-year-old female from Palisades Park, NJ—Arrested in February 2025 at Maggie Spa, Route 59, Nyack.

News 12 is told they all face charges of alleged prostitution and practicing a profession without a license.

The arrests were part of an undercover police operation by Clarkstown's detective bureau and street crime unit.

The businesses are also accused of violating these town codes according to Clarkstown; operating without a certificate of occupancy, license required for the massage license law, public nuisance and zoning violations as brothels are not permitted.

News 12 stopped by the businesses on Thursday, and some appeared to still be open. Women at two of the businesses were unaware of the arrests. Other businesses looked closed.

Clarkstown Supervisor George Hoehmann said they are taking the landlords to state Supreme Court get the businesses shutdown.

"It's a quality-of-life issue for our residents. Our residents expect us to do everything we possibly can and we're going to take the most aggressive action that we possibly can in going after the businesses and shutting them down," he says.

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