By Madina Toure
The Queens North VICE Unit made 31 arrests, mostly for unlicensed masseur offenses, during inspections conducted at 18 spa locations throughout the 109th Precinct’s coverage area, according to the precinct and the NYPD.
The charges include unauthorized practice profession—practicing a profession without a license—or prostitution-related charges, the Police Department said.
Deputy Inspector Michael Cody, commanding officer of the Queens North VICE Unit, had his team concentrate on the quality-of-life issues concerning the proliferation of spas throughout the community.
Thomas Conforti, commanding officer of the 109th Precinct, said that the VICE Unit “will continue to ensure that the establishments are in compliance with regulations,” the council said.
On March 15, members of the Queens North VICE Unit visited 10 locations within the precinct’s coverage area, mostly in Flushing and Whitestone and arrested 17 individuals, the 109th Precinct Community Council wrote on its Facebook page the afternoon of March 16.
One individual was arrested at 10-17A 154th St., one at 12-48C Clintonville St., one at 12-52B Clintonville St. and one at 200-12 44th Ave., according to the police.
Seven people were arrested at 133-50 37th Ave., five at 202-22 45th Ave. and another four at 36-41 Prince St., the NYPD said. Three days later, on March 18, members of the unit visited eight additional spa locations, the council said that night. One individual was arrested at 132-20 40th Road, one at 135-20 40th Road, one at 135-32 40th Road, one at 135-41 40th Road and one at 14-17 150th St., police said.
Two were also arrested at 12-49A 150th St., two at 12-58 150th St., two at 14-09 150th St., three at 12-56 150th St. and another three at 132-25 58th Road, officials said.
Reach reporter Madina Toure by e-mail at mtour
