By Lauren Feldman
The Aug. 13 meeting of the Northport Board of Trustees revealed shocking details from a months-long investigation by the Northport Police Department. Chief of Police Christopher Hughes reported on the conclusion of an inquiry into a local spa suspected of prostitution.
Sunny Island Foot Spa, located at 377 Fort Salonga Road, first drew police attention in June when “alarming” advertisements appeared on Craigslist. The ads, Hughes said, described spa services as performed by “sweet and discreet pretty girls” and the “best service” by “young and beautiful girls from Asia.” The ad has since been removed, and a subsequent one posted in July refrained from mentioning spa employees.
“Our investigation began immediately following the June ad,” Hughes said. While the investigation did not yield evidence of prostitution, Hughes noted that the spa’s ads were listed on “several websites known to advertise adult services.” He added, “The mere messaging in the ads can easily attract individuals looking for those types of services.” Hughes also reported that police observed only male clientele entering and leaving the premises during the investigation.
On Aug. 8 and 9, Jing Fang Zhou, 50, and Lisi Ou, 38, both of Flushing, were arrested for the “unauthorized practice of a profession.” Hughes thanked lead investigator Detective Stephen Kerekes, the county district attorney [Ray Tierney] and his team. “We were able to work together to identify an illegitimate business and effectively end their illicit operation,” Hughes said.
Since last week’s arrests, the spa is reportedly vacant, and Hughes noted that no further traffic has been observed in or around the establishment.
At the same meeting, the board approved Hughes’ resolution, which adds another detective position to the Northport Police Department. Officer Sean Sagistano was recommended for the position and, per the resolution, “will not receive the additional pay and benefits he is entitled to under the collective bargaining agreement until the day after Stephen Kerekes vacates his current position of detective.” The board also clarified that this measure will not increase the size of the police department, and Sagistano will continue to be assigned to patrol duties.
Resolution 2024-139 also drew attention from the board. The resolution authorizes Mayor Donna Koch to execute a contract to purchase a new ambulance. Residents may be aware that an ongoing ambulance purchase has been progressing slowly for some time.
In February 2022, the village passed a resolution to purchase another ambulance from a company that has yet to deliver. As a result, the fire commissioner met with Koch last week to discuss purchasing an alternative unit: a 2024 Ford F-550 Wheeled Coach through LI Proliner Inc., estimated to cost $470,343.
The initial unit, the village is being told, will not be ready until the end of the first quarter of 2025, which may lead to its cancellation. Koch emphasized that the new unit is a stock model with everything the department needs. Additionally, the unit includes a Stryker, a part worth $100,000 that is already included with the vehicle. The board approved the measure to move forward with this purchase, but the decision to cancel the initial ambulance order was not voted on at this time.
Board meetings are held once a month at the Northport Village Hall, 224 Main St., Northport. The next meeting of the Board of Trustees will be Tuesday, Sept. 3, at 6 p.m. For more information, visit northportny.gov.
