Regulators, Police Crack Down On Illegal Massage Parlors In Clarkstown - Patch

[Jeff Edwards]

TOWN OF CLARKSTOWN, NY — Town officials and law enforcement said they aren't backing off of an aggressive effort to crack down on businesses operating illegally.


Town of Clarkstown Supervisor George Hoehmann and Clarkstown Police Department Chief Jeff Wanamaker say that an enforcement initiative has been started on illegal massage parlors operating within the town. The initiative's goal is to address violations of town codes, human trafficking concerns, and illicit activities associated with unlicensed establishments. Officials say the town is taking unprecedented actions by expanding on police investigative efforts with the filing of actions in the State Supreme Court to seek the permanent closure of the illegal businesses creating a potential public menace.

"We are committed to ensuring that all businesses in our town 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."


Clarkstown police, through the Street Crime Unit, started investigations in October 2024 into several local businesses that were advertised as spas in town. Local residents had previously raised concerns with officials about possible unlicensed massages and allegations of prostitution taking place in the establishments, according to police.

After ongoing surveillance, the Street Crime Unit was able to identify and arrest seven people involved in illicit activities at five businesses, police said.

• 51-year-old female from Queens: 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: arrested in November 2024 at HNS Spa, 159 Route 304, Bardonia
• 54-year-old female from Forestdale, MA: 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: 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.

Police say that all seven women have been issued appearance tickets, with scheduled dates to return to the Town of Clarkstown Justice Court.

"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," Chief of Police Jeffrey Wanamaker said. "These arrests underscore the vital role of community involvement in identifying and addressing unlawful activities. The Clarkstown Police Department remains steadfast in its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all residents. Our Street Crime Unit will continue its diligent work in investigating and preventing illegal activities, preserving the integrity of local businesses, and protecting our community."


Officials say that the recent police investigations have uncovered multiple businesses operating without proper licensing and engaging in unlawful activities. As a result, code enforcement officers and town attorneys are also issuing citations, and taking legal actions against the non-compliant establishments.

Town attorneys are in court with several landlords, including Snow Church Realty Corp., Iglesias Real Estate Holding of NY Inc., and CASMAC Associates LLC, to immediately shut down the operations deemed illegal, with the goal of having them leave the premises for being an ongoing public nuisance.


According to town officials, they will also be taken to Clarkstown Justice Court for the following violations of town codes: noncompliance for operating without a certificate of occupancy, license required for the massage license law, public nuisance, and zoning violations (brothels are not permitted).

"We will continue to take action against those who seek to exploit and operate outside the law," the town supervisor said. He praised the town's aggressive code enforcement operation and police department for their efforts, as well as Clarkstown’s code enforcement strategy as a model for the state.

Residents are urged to report suspicious businesses or activities to the town through its "My Clarkstown App" or calling the non-emergency police number at 845-639-5800.