Haverstraw shuts down massage parlor after undercover operation reveals prostitution - The Journal News

[Steve Lieberman]

HAVERSTRAW — Village Building Department officials closed down an illegal massage parlor after town and state police arrested a Queens woman on a prostitution count, police said Monday, March 24.

An undercover operation at Solace Springs Spa on Route 9W ended when the masseur solicited sex for cash from an officer posing as a customer, Haverstraw Police Chief John Gould said.

Haverstraw and New York State Police conducted a joint investigation on information detailing prostitution at the business operating at 242 N. Route 9W Unit F, Gould said.

Officers arrested Zongying Zhang, 45, on one misdemeanor count of prostitution and a felony of unauthorized practice of a profession. Zhang didn't provide a state license to give massages.

Police released Zhang with an appearance ticket to appear in Haverstraw Village Justice Court.

The Haverstraw Village Building Department revoked Solace Springs' certificate of occupancy, closing the business, Gould said.

Massage parlors tied to sex trafficking in NYC​

Massage parlors have operated across Rockland for years. In many cases, officials had said, the operators and those offering sex for cash were tied to sex trafficking networks in the New York City area.

Rockland County plans to use its public nuisance statute to shut down massage parlors where prostitution is found to be taking place. In those cases, business owners and landlords could be subjected to a fine.

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Gould said residents tipped off police about the business using the Tip411 app through the Rockland District Attorney's Office, as well as the department's tip email address.

He said the investigation started about a month ago. He said two people were working when the police went undercover.

Gould said the department had conducted another investigation on June 27, 2024, at the Oceart Spa on Route 9w in Haverstraw. An arrest was made and the business was shut down.

Steve Lieberman covers government, breaking news, courts, police, and investigations. Reach him at [email protected] Twitter: @lohudlegalRead more articles and bio. Our local coverage is only possible with support from our readers.