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

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3 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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Crime

New York State Police Issue Over 12,000 Tickets During Memorial Day Weekend Enforcement Campaign

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7 hours ago

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May 28, 2025

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ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY – The New York State Police announced that a total of 12,062 tickets were issued statewide during the 2025 Memorial Day Weekend traffic enforcement campaign, marking a significant increase in citations compared to last year. The special enforcement period ran from Friday, May 23 through Monday, May 26, 2025, and was part of an annual effort to keep roads safe during one of the busiest travel weekends of the year.

The initiative, partially funded by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Committee, included sobriety checkpoints, increased DWI patrols, and targeted enforcement against distracted driving and other dangerous behaviors.
Enforcement Results: DWI Arrests and Traffic Violations

During the four-day period, 245 drivers were arrested for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI). Troopers also responded to 774 motor vehicle crashes, including three fatal accidents.

Key violations during the 2025 Memorial Day crackdown included:

Speeding: 3,472 tickets

Distracted Driving: 393 tickets

Seatbelt Violations: 1,660 tickets

Move Over Law Violations: 225 tickets

These figures show a notable increase from the 2024 Memorial Day Weekend enforcement, during which 10,949 total tickets were issued and 225 DWI arrests were made.
A Message of Road Safety and Responsibility

The New York State Police emphasized that these enforcement efforts are vital to protecting drivers and passengers during high-traffic holiday periods.

Below is a breakdown of violations by troop:

Officials encourage drivers to always wear seatbelts, avoid distractions, respect speed limits, and never drive under the influence.

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Crime

A Day In The Life of Ramapo Police Officers

Published

1 week ago

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May 21, 2025

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Over the past 24 hours, Ramapo Police Officers have remained hard at work, responding to calls for service, enforcing traffic laws, and actively engaging with our community. Here’s a look at the highlights from another demanding day in public safety.

Traffic Enforcement & Public Safety

Our continued efforts to maintain roadway safety led to several enforcement actions:

  • Three motorists were cited for operating vehicles with suspended registrations.

  • Three drivers were stopped and cited for driving with suspended licenses.

These proactive measures are part of our ongoing commitment to keeping our roadways safe for all.

Arrests and Enforcement Actions

Officers made several arrests in connection with a variety of incidents:

  • Two individuals were taken into custody on active warrants. Both were later released on their own recognizance.

  • One arrest was made in a domestic incident for violating an Order of Protection. The individual was also released on recognizance.

  • An additional arrest was made for an open container violation, a part of our continued focus on quality-of-life enforcement throughout the Town of Ramapo.

Major Incident: Armed Robbery

A significant and violent incident occurred involving an armed robbery at the end of a residential driveway. During the altercation, the victim was pistol-whipped as they attempted to retain possession of a firearm. The suspect ultimately fled the scene with a substantial amount of cash. The victim sustained injuries and was treated at the scene.

Ramapo Police Officers and Detectives responded immediately and initiated a collaborative investigation with the New York State Police . Through coordinated efforts, a suspect was identified and located within hours.

A 42-year-old male from Middletown, NY was taken into custody and formally charged with:

  • Robbery in the First Degree

  • Assault in the Second Degree

  • Criminal Use of a Firearm in the First Degree

  • Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree

  • Menacing in the Second Degree

The suspect is currently being processed at Ramapo Police Headquarters. Arraignment is expected later today at Hillburn Justice Court.

Our officers remain dedicated to serving and protecting the residents of Ramapo. We thank the community for its continued support and vigilance.

Ramapo Police Department

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