PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Testimony by Lucy Palacios, Licensed Massage Therapist and Member of Nismet
2:46:52
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98 sec
Lucy Palacios, a licensed massage therapist from Jackson Heights, testifies about the challenges faced by legitimate massage businesses and the prevalence of human trafficking in unlicensed establishments. She highlights the inappropriate inquiries she receives and the safety measures she takes in her practice.
- Palacios describes receiving inappropriate requests and questions from potential clients, including requests for "happy endings" and inquiries about the nationality of her employees.
- She points out the issue of unlicensed massage businesses operating as fronts for human trafficking, often located near elementary schools.
- Palacios provides a specific example of Harmony Spa, an establishment operating 24/7 near a train station, which she believes is involved in human trafficking activities.
Lucy Palacios
2:46:52
you.
2:46:53
Good afternoon, Chairman, Chairman, My name is Lucy Palosios, and I've been a proud resident of Jackson Heights for at least 30 years.
2:47:04
I've also been I am a licensed massage therapist since 2020, and a member of Nismet running my own practice in Jackson Heights.
2:47:15
Unfortunately, every week, I receive inappropriate inquiries such as request for happy endings.
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Questions about the nationality of the women I employ and even the color nail polish that I'm wearing on my toes.
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For my safety, I do not allow walk ins and carefully screen all potential clients.
2:47:37
Unlicensed massage businesses often front FOR HUMAN TRAFFICKING HAVE BECOME ALL TO COMMON.
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DISTURBINGLY MANY ARE LOCATED ACROSS FROM ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS.
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THESE PLACES ARE RATED, SHUTDOWN AND REOPENED WITHIN DAYS WITH No CONSEQUENCES.
2:47:56
One such example is Harmony Spa operating openly at 40 6 82nd Street, at the foot of the 86th Street train station.
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Visibly 24 hours, 7 days a week, with police officers passing by without intervention of the women, 7 or 8 of them just hanging out in front of the location.
2:48:20
It's a stark reminder of the series human trafficking issues that we're facing right in our in our community and it's something we can no longer ignore.
2:48:29
Thank you.
