5 Arrested In Undercover Spa Prostitution Sting: Police

NEW WINDSOR, NY — Three local businesses have been shuttered following a police undercover operation.

The Town of New Windsor Police Department said that on Thursday, they conducted the undercover investigation into prostitution and unlicensed/illegal massages taking place at several locations throughout the town. They collaborated with the New York State Police, the New York State Office of the Professions, and the Town of New Windsor Building Department.

Officials said the investigation was started after Town of Windsor police received continued complaints from area residents and local businesses about suspicious activity at the spas.

Five people were arrested at three different spas.

Vivi Spa, located at 3141 Route 9W, Suite 600:

• 37-year-old Kun Jhao, of Syosset, was charged with unauthorized practice of a profession and prostitution.
• 37-year-old Hongshuang Yu, of Syosset, was charged with third-degree promoting prostitution.
• 40-year-old Nathan Rhodes, of Long Branch, New Jersey, was charged with third-degree promoting prostitution, and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon.

Sun & Moon Spa, located at 357 Old Forge Hill Road, Suite 900

• 58-year-old Hongyu Quan, of Flushing, was charged with unauthorized practice of a profession and prostitution.

A & A Spa, located at 357 Windsor Way

• 59-year-old In Ok Smith, of East Haven, Connecticut, was charged with unauthorized practice of a profession and prostitution.

At least two of the businesses had been the targets of previous undercover operations.

Police say that all five defendants were released on appearance tickets and are scheduled to appear in the Town of New Windsor Justice Court on March 11.

"We will continue to use all legal remedies available to combat unlawful activities conducted within the town," Police Chief Daniel Valeri said.

The Town of New Windsor Building Department shut down Vivi Spa pending compliance with regulations. Building code violations were also issued to Sun & Mooon Spa and A & A Spa.

"My message to these illegal businesses is simple," Town Supervisor Stephen Bedetti said. "Do not reopen and leave the Town of New Windsor. I have directed the New Windsor Police Department to use every legal path to continually shut down these illegal businesses in our town. Last night, our Police Department and other assisting agencies once again professionally handled this enforcement, a job well done by them."

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