Tag:

Promoting Prostitution

Prostitution, Massage Parlor Raids Lead To 5 Arrests Across Long Island; One For Second Time Prostitution, Massage Parlor Raids Lead To 5 Arrests Across Long Island; One For Second Time
Prostitution, Massage Parlor Raids Lead To 5 Arrests Across Long Island; One For Second Time ultiple undercover investigations targeting alleged prostitution operations led to five arrests across Long Island on Friday, April 10, police said. Two women were arrested during a massage parlor raid in Huntington Station, Suffolk County Police announced. Jie Di, 48, of Queens, and Minhua Guo, 34, of Stony Brook, were taken into custody after Second Precinct Investigative Unit officers, working with the Town of Huntington Fire Marshal and ordinance inspectors, investigated Well Spa on East Jericho Turnpike, authorities said. Both were charged with Unauthorized Practice of a Profession, p…
Suffolk Cop, Two Others Admit Running Suffolk Prostitution Ring Suffolk Cop, Two Others Admit Running Suffolk Prostitution Ring
Suffolk Cop, Two Others Admit Running Suffolk Prostitution Ring A veteran Long Island police officer, along with two others, formally confessed to running multiple brothels over a span of four years. George Trimigliozzi, 56, of Islip, pleaded guilty to corruption, promoting prostitution, and related charges in Suffolk County Court on Monday, Sept. 15. Trimigliozzi is a veteran Suffolk County police officer. Frank Saggio, 61, of West Islip; and Dana Ciardullo, 33, of North Bellmore also admitted their roles in a prostitution enterprise that operated out of locations in Holbrook and West Babylon between 2019 and 2024. Prosecutors laid out how Saggio…
Mechanicsburg Pastor Pleads In Human Trafficking, Prostution Spa Case Mechanicsburg Pastor Pleads In Human Trafficking, Prostution Spa Case
Mechanicsburg Pastor Pleads In Human Trafficking, Prostution Spa Case A Pennsylvania Senate chaplain and longtime pastor has pleaded in connection with a human trafficking sting involving a Carlisle massage parlor, court records show. Stephen Robert Melton, 65, of Mechanicsburg, pleaded guilty to patronizing prostitutes and no contest to trafficking in individuals for labor servitude in Cumberland County Court on Monday, Sept. 8, 2025, according to new court filings. Melton is the pastor at Big Spring Presbyterian Church in Newville, according to the church’s website. He was charged in November 2024 amid a sprawling investigation into massage parlors involved…
Repeat Trouble: 3 Women Arrested In 2 Long Island Massage Parlor Raids, 1 For 2nd Time In 2025 Repeat Trouble: 3 Women Arrested In 2 Long Island Massage Parlor Raids, 1 For 2nd Time In 2025
Repeat Trouble: 3 Women Arrested In 2 Long Island Massage Parlor Raids, 1 For 2nd Time In 2025 Three women were arrested during massage parlor raids in Huntington and Port Jefferson Station, Suffolk County police announced on Friday, Sept. 5. At Jericho Foot Spa, located at 1152 E. Jericho Turnpike in Huntington, Second Precinct Crime Section officers, the Human Trafficking Investigations Unit, and the Asset Forfeiture Unit executed a search warrant with the Town of Huntington Fire Marshal and ordinance inspectors after repeated community complaints, police said. Li Zhong, 47, of Astoria, was charged with Felony Promoting Prostitution 3rd Degree, Felony Unauthorized Practice of a Pro…
Bay Shore Man Used Woman's Drug Addiction To Force Her Into Sex Work, DA Says Bay Shore Man Used Woman's Drug Addiction To Force Her Into Sex Work, DA Says
Bay Shore Man Used Woman's Drug Addiction To Force Her Into Sex Work, DA Says A Bay Shore man is facing sex trafficking charges after forcing a woman into sex work, prosecutors said. Daniel Soto, 37, was indicted in Suffolk County Court on Monday, July 14, after investigators determined he used violence and manipulation to force the victim into sex work for his personal profit, according to the district attorney’s office. Soto arranged sexual encounters between the victim and paying clients throughout 2024 and into 2025—keeping all the money for himself, prosecutors said. When the woman tried to stop, Soto either physically assaulted her or withheld drugs, knowing …
Sex Slave Sting: Women Held In NJ Homes, Forced Into Brothels, AG Says Sex Slave Sting: Women Held In NJ Homes, Forced Into Brothels, AG Says
Sex Slave Sting: Women Held In NJ Homes, Forced Into Brothels, AG Says Eight people have been charged with racketeering and human trafficking for running a prostitution ring out of several homes in Trenton and Camden, authorities said. New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin announced the charges on Tuesday, July 1, following a months-long investigation that began in May 2024. At least 15 victims were located during raids at five properties, investigators said. According to the criminal complaints, Vilma Deleon Bracamonte, also known as “Janet,” 55, of Hamilton, and Maria Soledad Xec Chan, 42, of Trenton, were the alleged ringleaders. They face charges …
House Of Prostitution: NJ Spa Raid Nets 4 Arrests, Prosecutor Says House Of Prostitution: NJ Spa Raid Nets 4 Arrests, Prosecutor Says
House Of Prostitution: NJ Spa Raid Nets 4 Arrests, Prosecutor Says Four people were arrested during a prostitution sting at a Hunterdon County spa, authorities said. The Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office and Readington Township Police Department said they launched a three-week investigation after community complaints about the spa. A search warrant was executed on Friday, June 6, at Aurora 1 Spa, located at 1 Old Highway 28 in Whitehouse Station, according to a joint statement from Hunterdon County Prosecutor Renée M. Robeson, Chief of Detectives Timothy J. Drew, and Readington Police Chief Steven Rindock. Three people from Whitehouse Station — Li Saih…
Folcroft Optician Accused Of Offering Free Glasses For Sex: Police Folcroft Optician Accused Of Offering Free Glasses For Sex: Police
Folcroft Optician Accused Of Offering Free Glasses For Sex: Police A Delaware County optician is facing a slew of serious charges, including rape, sexual assault, and false imprisonment, after allegedly offering free eyeglasses in exchange for sex, authorities said. Brian Thomas Steiner, 40, of Glenolden, was arrested following an investigation into allegations that he solicited sex from customers at Philly Vision Care in Folcroft, according to court documents. Police say Steiner admitted to engaging in or receiving sexual acts inside the business at least 30 times in exchange for waiving co-pays and fees. He has been charged with felony rape, involuntary…
Brothel Operator Forced Women Into Sex Acts In Bridgeton, Prosecutor Brothel Operator Forced Women Into Sex Acts In Bridgeton, Prosecutor
Brothel Operator Forced Women Into Sex Acts In Bridgeton, Prosecutor A 37-year-old Bridgeton man was arrested and charged on Saturday, Feb. 8 with human trafficking after running a brothel out of his home, authorities said. Moises Rodriguez-Martinez had been under investigation for a month after he kept inside an East Avenue residence for the purpose of performing paid sexual acts, Cumberland County Prosecutor Jennifer Webb-McRae said. The women were trafficked from Queens, Webb-McRae said. Rodriguez-Martinez was charged with human trafficking, promoting organized street crime and promoting prostitution, Webb-McRae said.
Employee Busted For Prostitution At Massage Parlor In East Patchogue, Police Say Employee Busted For Prostitution At Massage Parlor In East Patchogue, Police Say
Employee Busted For Prostitution At Massage Parlor In East Patchogue, Police Say An employee at a Long Island massage parlor is accused of engaging in prostitution. Shuangshuang Luo, 56, was arrested following a Suffolk County Police sting at the Twins Twins Spa on Montauk Highway in East Patchogue on Monday, Jan. 27. A search warrant was executed on the business in response to numerous community complaints, police said. Luo, of Ronkonkoma, was charged with prostitution and promoting prostitution, and was issued a desk appearance ticket. The Town of Brookhaven Fire Marshal issued multiple summons to the business and deemed the location unsafe for occupancy.
Wallingford Prostitute Offered Clients 'Menu' Of Services: Police Wallingford Prostitute Offered Clients 'Menu' Of Services: Police
Wallingford Prostitute Offered Clients 'Menu' Of Services: Police A monthslong prostitution sting ended with a Connecticut woman with a history of hooking in handcuffs, authorities said.  Erica Waller, 41, of Wallingford, is charged with promoting prostitution in the third degree, police said. She was arrested on similar charges in October. Investigators said Waller used a website to find clients and had a "menu" of the acts she was willing to perform for them to choose from.  An undercover officer selected one of those options and arranged to meet with Waller on Friday, Jan. 10, in the South Elm Street area. They arrested her that day af…
SWAT Raid Leads To Prostitution, Firearm, Drug Charges For Pair In Ridgewood: Police SWAT Raid Leads To Prostitution, Firearm, Drug Charges For Pair In Ridgewood: Police
SWAT Raid Leads To Prostitution, Firearm, Drug Charges For Pair In Ridgewood: Police A Ridgewood man and woman are facing multiple charges following an investigation into alleged prostitution and drug-related activities in the village, authorities said. Antonio Gines, 44, and Gianna Murphy, 36, both of Ridgewood, were arrested on Jan. 8, after Ridgewood Police and the Bergen County Regional SWAT team executed a search warrant at their residence, according to Ridgewood Police Chief Lyons. The investigation began in December 2024, when police received information about potential prostitution occurring within Ridgewood. The search revealed evidence leading to several charges a…
Duo Busted In Connection To Woman's Suspicious Death At Shelton Hotel: Police Duo Busted In Connection To Woman's Suspicious Death At Shelton Hotel: Police
Duo Busted In Connection To Woman's Suspicious Death At Shelton Hotel: Police A weeks-long investigation into the death of a woman found in the courtyard of a Connecticut hotel has led to the arrests of two men on prostitution-related charges. The incident began on Oct. 1, 2024, when police were called to the Residence Inn Hotel on Bridgeport Avenue in Shelton. Officers discovered a deceased woman in the hotel courtyard. Authorities have not disclosed her identity or cause of death. Evidence gathered during the investigation led Shelton police to two men: Daqwon Graham, 30, of Ansonia, and Jordan Rambert, 35, of New Haven. Police said Graham rented the hotel room and…
Shirley Man Who Forced Homeless Teen Into Prostitution In Exchange For Food, Shelter Sentenced Shirley Man Who Forced Homeless Teen Into Prostitution In Exchange For Food, Shelter Sentenced
Shirley Man Who Forced Homeless Teen Into Prostitution In Exchange For Food, Shelter Sentenced A Long Island man will spend more than a decade in prison for forcing an 18-year-old homeless woman into prostitution. Javesh Persaud, 34, of Shirley, was sentenced to 12 years behind bars in Suffolk County Court on Wednesday, Dec. 11, after pleading guilty to sex trafficking and related charges. Prosecutors said Persaud met the victim in July 2023 on Omegle, an online chat platform. She had been sleeping in New York City subways and told Persaud she was homeless. Persaud offered her food, clean clothes, a shower, and a place to sleep. He then drove the victim to a parking lot in Shirley …
Undercover Prostitution Sting At Passaic County Spas Nets 4 Arrests, Nearly $9.5K Seized Undercover Prostitution Sting At Passaic County Spas Nets 4 Arrests, Nearly $9.5K Seized
Undercover Prostitution Sting At Passaic County Spas Nets 4 Arrests, Nearly $9.5K Seized Authorities dismantled a prostitution operation at two Passaic County spas, arresting four people and seizing nearly $9,500 in suspected proceeds, officials announced Wednesday, Dec. 5. The operation conducted on Tuesday, Dec. 3, began after concerned residents tipped off authorities about suspicious activities at the New Paterson Massage & Coco Healthy Spa on McBride Avenue in Paterson and the Eastern Cozy Spa on Overmount Avenue in Woodland Park, Sheriff Thomas Adamo said. Undercover detectives conducting surveillance at the locations reported being offered sexual acts, Adamo sai…
Shirley Man Admits Forcing Homeless Teen Into Prostitution In Exchange For Food, Shelter Shirley Man Admits Forcing Homeless Teen Into Prostitution In Exchange For Food, Shelter
Shirley Man Admits Forcing Homeless Teen Into Prostitution In Exchange For Food, Shelter A Long Island man confessed to forcing a homeless teenager into prostitution in exchange for providing her with food and shelter. Javesh Persaud, age 34, of Shirley, pleaded guilty to sex trafficking and related charges in Suffolk County Court on Friday, Oct. 25. Prosecutors said Persaud met the 18-year-old victim in July 2023 on the now defunct website Omegle, which randomly paired strangers for virtual chats. The teen told him she was homeless and sleeping in New York City subways in Manhattan. Persaud told the girl he helped people who were without homes and offered the teen clean clot…
Sex Trafficking: Islip Teacher, Cop Among 4 Charged In Years-Long Crime Ring Sex Trafficking: Islip Teacher, Cop Among 4 Charged In Years-Long Crime Ring
Sex Trafficking: Islip Teacher, Cop Among 4 Charged In Years-Long Crime Ring A teacher of nearly three decades and a veteran police officer are among four defendants accused in a years-long sex trafficking operation on Long Island. Steven Arey, age 53, and George Trimigliozzi, age 55, both of Islip, were indicted on promoting prostitution and related charges in Suffolk County Court on Tuesday, Oct. 15. Prosecutors said Arey, who has taught in the Islip School District for 26 years, and Trimigliozzi, an 18-year veteran of the Suffolk County Police Department, hired sex workers, collected proceeds of prostitution known as “house fees,” and posted ads seeking patrons o…
27-Year-Old Nabbed In Hicksville For Promoting Prostitution, Sex Trafficking: Police 27-Year-Old Nabbed In Hicksville For Promoting Prostitution, Sex Trafficking: Police
27-Year-Old Nabbed In Hicksville For Promoting Prostitution, Sex Trafficking: Police A man has been accused of sex trafficking and promoting prostitution on Long Island. Queens resident Wilson Rodriguez Peralta, 27, of Maspeth, was arrested without incident on Friday night, Oct. 4 in Hicksville, following a Nassau County Police investigation.  Peralta has been charged with: Sex trafficking,  Criminal possession of a controlled substance, Promoting prostitution.  He was scheduled to be arraigned Saturday, Oct. 5, at First District Court in Hempstead. Detectives request anyone who feels that may also be a victim of sex trafficking to contact Nassau County …
Spa Owner Arrested After Prostitution Suspected At Two Jersey Shore Massage Parlors Spa Owner Arrested After Prostitution Suspected At Two Jersey Shore Massage Parlors
Spa Owner Arrested After Prostitution Suspected At Two Jersey Shore Massage Parlors An Egg Harbor Township woman was accused of owning two spas in Ocean County that engaged in prostitution, authorities said. Kani Peng, 53, was charged with promoting prostitution, maintaining a nuisance, financial facilitation, and engaging in prostitution. Ocean County Prosecutor Bradley Billhimer, along with the police chiefs in Barnegat and Stafford townships, announced her arrest in a joint news release on Thursday, June 27. The investigation focused on Rainbow Spa on North Main Street in Barnegat and Bay Spa on East Bay Avenue in Manahawkin between October 2023 and June.…
Long Island Duo Forced Women Into Prostitution, DA Says Long Island Duo Forced Women Into Prostitution, DA Says
Long Island Duo Forced Women Into Prostitution, DA Says A man who allegedly raped a 13-year-old girl is among two Long Island defendants accused of forcing women into prostitution. Danny St. Louis, age 43, of Bay Shore, and Samantha Wimmer, age 37, of Central Islip, were arraigned on a total of 33 criminal charges in Suffolk County Court on Thursday, April 11. Prosecutors said St. Louis advertised and sold women for sex several times to various buyers between March 2023 and March 2024, with Wimmer serving as photographer for pictures that were used in his ads. After taking one victim’s ID and cell phone to prevent her from leaving, St. Louis ma…
Pimp Admits Trafficking Aspiring Teen Model, Lancaster DA Says Pimp Admits Trafficking Aspiring Teen Model, Lancaster DA Says
Pimp Admits Trafficking Aspiring Teen Model, Lancaster DA Says The first man captured by the Lancaster County Human Trafficking Task Force has been sentenced after confessing to his crimes, the District Attorney announced on Monday, April 8. More than two years after his arrest, Louis Fountain, 34 of Brookhaven, Delaware County pleaded guilty to two counts of trafficking individuals, four counts of promoting prostitution, and one count of living off prostitutes before Lancaster County President Judge David Ashworth on March 29, as detailed in the release. Judge Ashworth sentenced him to serve a "prison term of one year, 11 months, and eight d…
'Deplorable': Pimp Forced Long Island Woman Into Sex Work, Beat Her When She Refused, DA Says 'Deplorable': Pimp Forced Long Island Woman Into Sex Work, Beat Her When She Refused, DA Says
'Deplorable': Pimp Forced Long Island Woman Into Sex Work, Beat Her When She Refused, DA Says Formal charges have been filed against a man accused of forcing a Long Island woman into prostitution and allegedly beating her when she refused. Michael Howell, age 64, of Brooklyn, was indicted on sex trafficking and related charges in Suffolk County Court on Thursday, Feb. 29. Prosecutors allege that between September 2022 and February 2024, Howell forced the Suffolk County woman to engage in sexual acts with others for money. He rented hotel rooms and posted ads of the victim on websites typically used to advertise sex work, investigators said. In order to get the woman to comply, How…
Married Pair Accused Of Promoting Prostitution In Monroe County, DA Says (UPDATED) Married Pair Accused Of Promoting Prostitution In Monroe County, DA Says (UPDATED)
Married Pair Accused Of Promoting Prostitution In Monroe County, DA Says (Updated) A couple is accused of posting an online ad for sex work, prosecutors say.  Suntoya Tucker and Betty Merwede were both charged with misdemeanor promoting prostitution and drug paraphernalia charges, according to the District Attorney's Office.  Investigators claimed they responded to an ad Tucker posted on Oct. 24 and arranged to meet her at the Value Inn, 5219 Milford Road in Middle Smithfield.  The ad was titled "Sweet like caramel baby" and included photos of Tucker, police said. When an undercover officer arrived at the hotel parking lot, authorities said Tucker and ano…
TUGBUST: Rochelle Park Masseuses Rub Undercover Customers Wrong Way, Police Say TUGBUST: Rochelle Park Masseuses Rub Undercover Customers Wrong Way, Police Say
Tugbust: Rochelle Park Masseuses Rub Undercover Customers Wrong Way, Police Say An undercover crew of gangbusters blocked a between-the-sheets operation at a local Rochelle Park massage parlor, authorities said. Township police detectives targeted the Fuji Salon on Woodland Avenue following a tip from a “concerned resident,” Capt. James DePreta said. The owner and two employees were arrested after an undercover sting led to under-the-table offers, the captain said. Yeong Herin, 68, of Cliffside Park, was charged with promoting prostitution and possession of property derived from criminal activity – namely $2,000 in alleged proceeds that DePreta said were seized. Bust…
South Jersey Man Admits Selling Lethal Dose Of Heroin: Prosecutor South Jersey Man Admits Selling Lethal Dose Of Heroin: Prosecutor
South Jersey Man Admits Selling Lethal Dose Of Heroin: Prosecutor A 44-year-old man from Atlantic City — already serving a 60-year prison sentence — has admitted to selling a fatal dose of heroin, authorities said. Tahir Gregory pleaded guilty to first-degree drug-induced death stemming from Gregory’s distribution of a lethal dose of heroin to 31-year-old victim, M.E. Gregory admitted to knowingly selling heroin to the victim which ultimately led to her death on July 2, 2017. The sentence will be run concurrent to the 60-year state prison sentence he is currently serving after being convicted by an Atlantic County jury earlier this ye…
Prostitution Bust: Haledon Detectives Go Undercover, Accuse Mom Of Turning Tricks Prostitution Bust: Haledon Detectives Go Undercover, Accuse Mom Of Turning Tricks
Prostitution Bust: Haledon Detectives Go Undercover, Accuse Mom Of Turning Tricks Police in Haledon went undercover to bust an alleged prostitute. Responding to a tip from the 400 block of Belmont Avenue, Haledon Detective Sgt. Timothy Lindberg and Detective Jeffrey Welsh identified Christine Mcalister, a 48-year-old borough resident, as their suspect, Capt. George Guzman, Jr. said. Mcalister, who lists her occupation online as self-employed, was arrested after soliciting an undercover officer, the captain said. She was charged with promoting prostitution and maintaining a nuisance before being released pending a Municipal Court appearance, he said.
Atlantic City Pimp Sentenced To 60 Years Prison For Human Trafficking: Prosecutor Atlantic City Pimp Sentenced To 60 Years Prison For Human Trafficking: Prosecutor
Atlantic City Pimp Sentenced To 60 Years Prison For Human Trafficking: Prosecutor A 44-year-old man from Atlantic City has been sentenced to 60 years in New Jersey State Prison for human trafficking, authorities said. On Tuesday, April 11, Tahir Gregory was sentenced, according to the Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office, and must serve at least 40 years before becoming eligible for parole. Gregory was originally charged on Sept. 29, 2017, with the human trafficking and promoting prostitution of two women. The remaining convictions for promoting prostitution will run concurrent to the other charges for a five-year New Jersey State Prison sentence, the prosecutor sai…
PA Bar Association President Resigns, Ex-Con Prostitute Charged Following Extortion Incident PA Bar Association President Resigns, Ex-Con Prostitute Charged Following Extortion Incident
PA Bar Association President Resigns, Ex-Con Prostitute Charged Following Extortion Incident The 2020-2021 President of the Pennsylvania Bar Association has resigned following a prostitution charge. David Eric Schwager, 53, a Luzerne County attorney, was slapped with a misdemeanor prostitution charge, and a preliminary hearing was scheduled for June 15, according to online docket sheets. The prostitute, Emily Merth, 25, apparently threatened to post a video of Schwager's sexual encounter with him if she didn't get more money from him, the Times Leader reports. Merth, who has previous prostitution conviction out of Lehigh County, was charged with promoting prostitution, theft …
Long Island Man Indicted For Alleged Sex Trafficking Operation Long Island Man Indicted For Alleged Sex Trafficking Operation
Long Island Man Indicted For Alleged Sex Trafficking Operation A 29-year-old man has been indicted for allegedly conducting a sex trafficking operation on Long Island. William Wilkinson, of Hempstead, was arrested on Wednesday, Dec. 2, said Suffolk County District Attorney Timothy D. Sini. An investigation by the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office and the Suffolk County Police Department’s Human Trafficking Investigations Unit revealed evidence that Wilkinson allegedly ran a sex trafficking operation throughout Suffolk and Nassau counties as early as November 2019. Wilkinson allegedly provided his victims with narcotics and subje…
Long Island Man Indicted For Sex Trafficking Teen Victim For Nearly A Year Long Island Man Indicted For Sex Trafficking Teen Victim For Nearly A Year
Long Island Man Indicted For Sex Trafficking Teen Victim For Nearly A Year A Long Island man has been charged for alleged sex trafficking involving a teenager in various hotels for nearly a year. Baldwin resident Jordan McCormick was indicted by a grand jury this week for allegedly trafficking a teen across Nassau, Suffolk, Queens, and Brooklyn between September last year and June this year. Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas said that beginning in September last year, McCormick allegedly trafficked his victim to various hotels. It is further alleged that McCormick physically abused the teenager and drugged her so that she could stay awake to make mo…
Authorities: Man Rapes Woman In Parsippany Motel After Months Of Abuse, Forced Prostitution Authorities: Man Rapes Woman In Parsippany Motel After Months Of Abuse, Forced Prostitution
Authorities: Man Rapes Woman In Parsippany Motel After Months Of Abuse, Forced Prostitution An Essex County man raped a woman and threatened to hurt her family in a Morris County motel this weekend after months of abuse and forced prostitution, authorities said. Mcquacy Goodridge, 28, of West Orange, verbally and physically abused a 31-year-old woman while taking her all across Morris County and forcing her into acts of prostitution between March 2019 and Aug. 15, Morris County Prosecutor Fredric M. Knapp said in a joint release with local police. Police responded to the Ramada on Route 46 for a person being held in a room around 6:30 p.m. Saturday, just after Goodridge threa…