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Town of Clarkstown and Clarkstown Police Investigate Local Spas Amid Allegations of Unlicensed Massages and Prostitution

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2 months ago

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Clarkstown Supervisor George Hoehmann and Police Chief Jeff Wanamaker announce the Town of Clarkstown and the Clarkstown Police Department have launched an enforcement initiative to crack down on illegal massage parlors operating within the Town. This initiative aims to address violations of local town codes, human trafficking concerns, and illicit activities associated with unlicensed establishments. The town is taking unprecedented action, expanding on the police investigative efforts, by filing actions in the State Supreme Court to seek the permanent closure of these illegal business locations.
Supervisor George Hoehmann stated, “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. Illegal massage parlors often serve as fronts for human trafficking and other illicit activities, and we will not tolerate these operations in our community.”
Beginning in October 2024, the Clarkstown Police Department, through the efforts of our Street Crime Unit, initiated investigations into a number of local businesses that were advertised as spas in the Town of Clarkstown. These investigations stemmed from several concerns raised by local residents regarding possible unlicensed massages and allegations of prostitution occurring within these establishments.
Through diligent efforts and ongoing surveillance, the Clarkstown Police Street Crime Unit was able to identify and apprehend individuals involved in these illicit activities.
As a result, the following individuals were arrested on multiple charges related to their involvement in these operations:
• 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.
All defendants have been issued appearance tickets, with the requirement to return to the Town of Clarkstown Justice Court for further proceedings.
Chief of Police Jeffrey Wanamaker stated, “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. 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.”
These recent investigations conducted by the Clarkstown Police Department have uncovered multiple businesses operating without proper licensing and engaging in unlawful activities. As part of this effort, Code Enforcement officers and Town attorneys are also issuing citations, and taking necessary legal actions against non-compliant establishments.
Town Attorneys are in court with the landlords for injunctive relief to immediately shut down the illegal operations and remove them from the premises as they constitute an ongoing public nuisance.
In addition, they will 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 as brothels are not permitted.
“We will continue to take action against those who seek to exploit and operate outside the law,” said Supervisor George Hoehmann. Hoehmann praised the town’s aggressive code enforcement operation and police department for their efforts and lauded Clarkstown’s code enforcement strategy as a model for the state.
Residents are encouraged 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.
The Clarkstown Police Department would like to reiterate that a criminal complaint is merely an accusation and each defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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Rockland County Sheriff’s Office and Consumer Protection Joint Investigation Leads to Arrest in Fraud Case

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5 days ago

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April 28, 2025

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New City, NY — Authorities in Rockland County have arrested a Nyack resident in connection with the use of a fake home improvement license, following a joint investigation by the Sheriff’s Office and the County Department of Consumer Protection.

Christian C. Kolarz, 48, faces felony charges of Second-Degree Forgery and Second-Degree Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument. Investigators allege that Kolarz created and attempted to use a counterfeit Rockland County Home Improvement License to fraudulently secure financing for a construction project.

The forged document came to light thanks to a coordinated effort by the Sheriff’s Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Consumer Protection investigators. Kolarz was taken into custody on April 18, arraigned in Clarkstown Justice Court, and released on his own recognizance. He is scheduled to appear in court again on May 12.

Rockland County Executive Ed Day praised the collaboration between agencies, stating, “This joint effort is a prime example of how working together keeps Rockland safe. It sends a strong message: fraud will not be tolerated.”

Sheriff Louis Falco echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the importance of interagency cooperation in protecting residents from scams. “We’re committed to pursuing those who attempt to take advantage of our community,” he said.

Consumer Protection Director Kimberly Von Ronn added that the misuse of official county documents is a serious matter. “Let this serve as a warning—we will take action to protect families and businesses from fraud.”

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Crime

Haverstraw Police Department Arrests Pomona Man on Weapon and Drug Charges

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6 days ago

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April 26, 2025

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Haverstraw, NY – April 26, 2025– On Friday, April 25, 2025, the Haverstraw Police Department arrested Michael Diaz, 28, of Pomona, NY, following a report of a male in possession of a firearm.
Responding to the call in Pomona, patrol units located Diaz and, upon investigation, discovered he was in possession of a loaded firearm and narcotics.
As a result, Diaz was charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 2nd Degree: Loaded Firearm (Class C Felony), Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 3rd Degree (Class D Felony), Criminal Possession of a Firearm (Class E Felony), and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the 3rd Degree: Narcotic Drug Intent to Sell (Class B Felony), in addition to other narcotics-related charges.
“The swift and professional actions of our officers prevented what could have been a potentially violent encounter. Thanks to their training, tactics, and unwavering commitment to public safety, a loaded firearm and dangerous narcotics were safely removed from our community. Their vigilance and restraint exemplify the highest standards of the Haverstraw Police Department. We are proud of their courage, preparedness, and dedication to protecting the people of Haverstraw” said Chief John Gould Jr.
Diaz was arraigned in the Town of Haverstraw Justice Court where bail was set in the amount of $40,000 cash, $60,000 bond or $75,000 partially secured bond. Diaz was then transported to the Rockland County Correctional Facility.
It is important to note that a criminal complaint is merely an accusation, and all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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