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Prostitution

Mount Vernon's Sean 'Diddy' Combs On Suicide Watch Before Sex Trafficking Trial: Report Mount Vernon's Sean 'Diddy' Combs On Suicide Watch Before Sex Trafficking Trial: Report
Mount Vernon's Sean 'Diddy' Combs On Suicide Watch Before Sex Trafficking Trial: Report Days after being federally charged with sex trafficking and racketeering offenses, hip-hop producer and New York native Sean "Diddy" Combs is on suicide watch as he waits for his trial in prison, according to a report by People.  Following his arrest, the 54-year-old New York City native who grew up in Westchester County in Mount Vernon was remanded to the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn on Tuesday, Sept. 17, where he has been placed on suicide watch, according to People.  The outlet reported that it is not known if Combs is suicidal or how exactly how long he …
Westchester's  Sean 'Diddy' Combs Now Facing Sex Trafficking, Racketeering Charges: Feds Westchester's  Sean 'Diddy' Combs Now Facing Sex Trafficking, Racketeering Charges: Feds
Westchester's Sean 'Diddy' Combs Now Facing Sex Trafficking, Racketeering Charges: Feds Following several lawsuits accusing him of sexual assault and other abuses, successful hip-hop producer and New York native Sean "Diddy" Combs now faces federal sex trafficking charges, officials announced.  Combs, a 54-year-old New York City native who grew up in Westchester County in Mount Vernon, was arrested on Tuesday morning, Sept. 17 on a three-count indictment, according to the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York.  According to federal officials, beginning as far back as 2008, Combs ran a criminal enterprise that involved sex trafficking, forced…
Hudson Valley Spa Shut Down For Prostitution, 1 Charged, Police Say Hudson Valley Spa Shut Down For Prostitution, 1 Charged, Police Say
Hudson Valley Spa Shut Down For Prostitution, 1 Charged, Police Say One person was charged with alleged prostitution during an undercover operation at a Hudson Valley spa. The incident occurred in Rockland County on Wednesday,  July 17, at the Angel Spa in Pearl River. According to Capt. Michael Shannon of the Orangetown Police the department conducted a joint operation with the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office Narcotics Task Force after receiving allegations of prostitution and unlicensed massages at the spa. The investigation resulted in the arrest of Pei-Chen Juan, age 46, of Staten Island, for prostitution and unauthorized…
Mount Vernon's Sean 'Diddy' Combs Subject Of Federal Criminal Investigation: Report Mount Vernon's Sean 'Diddy' Combs Subject Of Federal Criminal Investigation: Report
Mount Vernon's Sean 'Diddy' Combs Subject Of Federal Criminal Investigation: Report A federal criminal investigation is focusing on well-known hip-hop artist and longtime New Yorker Sean "Diddy" Combs, according to a report by NBC.  Combs, a 54-year-old New York City native who grew up in Westchester County in Mount Vernon, was told that he is a focus of an ongoing criminal investigation being conducted by federal authorities in the Southern District of New York, NBC reported.  The outlet added that as part of the probe, a federal grand jury is hearing evidence. There is nothing to suggest that charges are coming, though.  Combs has not received a lett…
Woman Charged With Prostitution After Undercover Operation At Hudson Valley Spa Woman Charged With Prostitution After Undercover Operation At Hudson Valley Spa
Woman Charged With Prostitution After Undercover Operation At Hudson Valley Spa A woman has been charged with prostitution after an undercover operation resulted in the closure of a spa in the Hudson Valley. The detail was conducted on Thursday, June 27, in Rockland County at Oceart Spa, located at 76 N. Route 9W in Haverstraw, after police say allegations of prostitution and unlicensed massages were reported by members of the community. The  investigation resulted in the arrest of New York City resident Lan Xu, age 55, of Queens, who was charged with: Unauthorized practice of a profession (Class E felony), Prostitution (Class B misdemeanor).…
'Protected, Not Prosecuted': NY Bill Would Decriminalize Prostitution, Target Sex Traffickers 'Protected, Not Prosecuted': NY Bill Would Decriminalize Prostitution, Target Sex Traffickers
'Protected, Not Prosecuted': NY Bill Would Decriminalize Prostitution, Target Sex Traffickers New York lawmakers are considering new legislation aimed at protecting sex trafficking survivors and closing a legal loophole often used by their abusers. The Sex Trade Survivors Justice and Equality Act (STSJEA), introduced by Democratic Assemblywoman Pamela Hunter, would decriminalize prostitution and automatically expunge all prior convictions for prostitution. If passed, the bill would also: Eliminate a loophole in New York State law that prevents sex abusers from being charged with promotion of prostitution when they traffic people to themselves Prevent people from being charged as a…
Former Police Officer In Hudson Valley Sentenced For Extorting Prostitution Rings For Sex Former Police Officer In Hudson Valley Sentenced For Extorting Prostitution Rings For Sex
Former Police Officer In Hudson Valley Sentenced For Extorting Prostitution Rings For Sex A former Hudson Valley police officer will spend time in prison for protecting prostitution businesses from law enforcement activity in exchange for free sexual services, federal officials announced. Ulster County resident Wayne Peiffer of Highland, a former officer in Putnam County who worked for the Village of Brewster Police Department, was sentenced to 36 months in prison for protecting two Queens-based prostitution rings, the US Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of New York announced on Thursday, May 2.  According to federal officials, between 2010 and October 2018, …
2 Westchester Women Nabbed For Prostitution After Raid At Massage Parlor 2 Westchester Women Nabbed For Prostitution After Raid At Massage Parlor
2 Westchester Women Nabbed For Prostitution After Raid At Massage Parlor Two women from the Hudson Valley have been charged with prostitution after a raid at a Long Island massage parlor. In response to numerous community complaints, Suffolk County Police Fourth Precinct Crime Section officers conducted an investigation at Lake Avenue Foot & Back Spa in St, James at approximately 3:20 p.m.  Friday, Nov. 3. Westchester County residents Jinzhen Shi, age 46, and Xiao Zhang, age 42, both of Mount Vernon, were charged with Prostitution, Unauthorized practice of a profession.  Shi was given a Desk Appearance Ticket and will be arra…
Duo Accused Of Running Prostitution Ring Out Of Westchester Massage Parlors: Feds Duo Accused Of Running Prostitution Ring Out Of Westchester Massage Parlors: Feds
Duo Accused Of Running Prostitution Ring Out Of Westchester Massage Parlors: Feds A husband and wife face charges after allegedly running an extensive prostitution business out of multiple New York massage parlors, including several in the Hudson Valley.  Putnam County residents Hong Ru Lin, age 50, and Kena Zhao, age 45, both of Putnam Valley, were arrested on Thursday, Sept. 14 for allegedly running a prostitution business out of numerous massage parlors in Putnam, Westchester, Queens, and Manhattan, the US Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York announced. According to federal officials, Lin and Zhao started running the prostitution ring in Septem…
5 Charged After New Rochelle Spa Investigated For Prostitution 5 Charged After New Rochelle Spa Investigated For Prostitution
5 Charged After New Rochelle Spa Investigated For Prostitution Five people are facing prostitution charges after an investigation into a Westchester County spa.  On Friday, Oct. 14, New Rochelle Police concluded their investigation into the Green Rivage Spa, located at 514 Main St. (Route 1), and found that the business had been engaging in prostitution, police said.  Police said they then arrested five people in connection to the case:  70-year-old Sun Mi Hong, of New York City, was charged with third-degree promoting prostitution and unlicensed practice of a profession; 35-year-old Cuijuan Jia, of Sorrento, Louisiana, was c…
Ex-Legislator In NY Admits To Tampering With Public Records, Patronizing Prostitute Ex-Legislator In NY Admits To Tampering With Public Records, Patronizing Prostitute
Ex-Legislator In NY Admits To Tampering With Public Records, Patronizing Prostitute A New York doctor and former legislator has admitted to trading drugs for sex, and then lying about it in a sworn statement to police. Dr. William Spencer, a Centerport resident and former Long Island legislator for Suffolk County’s 18th District, pleaded guilty to patronizing a prostitute and tampering with public records Friday, Oct. 7, in Suffolk County Supreme Court. Earlier Report: Long Island Legislator Accused Of Trying To Trade Drugs For Sexual Favors, Report Says Spencer, a Democrat, was arrested in October 2020 in an Elwood parking lot for attempting to exchange oxycod…
Woman Under Arrest In Westchester For Sex Trafficking May Have Hundreds Of Victims, FBI Says Woman Under Arrest In Westchester For Sex Trafficking May Have Hundreds Of Victims, FBI Says
Woman Under Arrest In Westchester For Sex Trafficking May Have Hundreds Of Victims, FBI Says A woman accused of forcing immigrant women into prostitution in New York may have hundreds of victims, federal investigators said. Ysenni Gomez was arrested Friday, Aug. 12, on charges of sex trafficking in Westchester County and the Bronx, according to the FBI. The agency said Gomez posted an online ad looking for waitresses to work at a restaurant in Manhattan.  She later interviewed a woman who responded before telling her she got the job, police said. On the victim’s first day at work, however, Gomez allegedly told the woman there was no waitress job and forced her to have sex wi…
3 Massage Parlors In Westchester Closed Due To Prostitution 3 Massage Parlors In Westchester Closed Due To Prostitution
3 Massage Parlors In Westchester Closed Due To Prostitution Three massage parlors were busted for offering prostitution services to undercover officers during an investigation in Westchester, police said. The parlors were busted in Larchmont and Mamaroneck on Wednesday, August 10. The investigation was undertaken after both departments received a tip from a local resident, said Larchmont Poice Chief Chris McNerney. "Investigators found individuals at all locations that did knowingly and unlawfully purport themselves as licensed massage therapists without the requisite state licenses, and several locations where individuals did offer …
Westchester Man Accused Of Sex Trafficking Vulnerable, At-Risk Youth At NY Hotels Westchester Man Accused Of Sex Trafficking Vulnerable, At-Risk Youth At NY Hotels
Westchester Man Accused Of Sex Trafficking Vulnerable, At-Risk Youth At NY Hotels A Westchester County man is facing federal charges for allegedly forcing a vulnerable minor into prostitution at New York City hotels. Rai Thomas, age 27, of Mount Vernon, was arrested Friday, July 22, on charges of sex trafficking a minor and using interstate facilities to promote sex trafficking and prostitution. According to the US Attorney’s Office in the Southern District, Thomas recruited the teenage girl in January and February 2022 and made her engage in commercial sex acts on multiple occasions in hotels in the Bronx and Brooklyn. He allegedly coordinated transportation to get the…
Woman Faces Prostitution Charge After Police Go Undercover In Hudson Valley Woman Faces Prostitution Charge After Police Go Undercover In Hudson Valley
Woman Faces Prostitution Charge After Police Go Undercover In Hudson Valley A woman has been charged with prostitution after police completed an undercover operation in the Hudson Valley. On Monday, June 13 in Orange County, the New Windsor Police Department conducted the investigation at the A & A Spa, located on Windsor Highway, after receiving a complaint from a customer that prostitution was occurring inside the business.  During the investigation, an undercover police officer was offered sexual conduct in return for a fee by an employee of the spa, New Windsor Police said. The employee, Queens resident Suwan Yang, age 56, of Flushing was charge…
Five Nabbed For Prostitution After Detail At Hotel In Hudson Valley Five Nabbed For Prostitution After Detail At Hotel In Hudson Valley
Five Nabbed For Prostitution After Detail At Hotel In Hudson Valley Five people have been arrested following a prostitution bust at a hotel in the region. All five suspects were apprehended in Dutchess County Wednesday, April 27, in the Town of Fishkill after local and state police targeted prostitution and other illegal activity at the Extended Stay America on West Merritt Boulevard, Fishkill Police said. In addition to the prostitution charges, some were also busted for criminal possession of a controlled substance, police said. Police did not release the names of those charged. In a statement announcing the arrests, Fishkill Police said prostitution is…
Ex-Cop In Hudson Valley Admits To Protecting Prostitution Rings In Exchange For Sex Ex-Cop In Hudson Valley Admits To Protecting Prostitution Rings In Exchange For Sex
Ex-Cop In Hudson Valley Admits To Protecting Prostitution Rings In Exchange For Sex A former police officer in the Hudson Valley has admitted to providing protection to a pair of Queens-based sex trafficking rings in exchange for sexual favors. The ex-cop in Putnam County, Wayne Peiffer, was a member of the Village of Brewster Police Department. He's a resident of the Ulster County hamlet of Highland. The 48-year-old Peiffer pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit Hobbs Act extortion and conspiracy to commit bribery in violation of the Travel Act in federal court in Brooklyn on Friday, April 8.  Peiffer was charged for his role in protecting the two prostitution busin…
Sarah Lawrence Sex Cult Leader In Westchester Found Guilty On All Charges Sarah Lawrence Sex Cult Leader In Westchester Found Guilty On All Charges
Sarah Lawrence Sex Cult Leader In Westchester Found Guilty On All Charges Larry Ray, the leader of a sex cult run out of his daughter's dorm room at Sarah Lawrence College in Westchester, will face life in prison after being found guilty by a jury of sexually exploiting and trafficking girls. Ray, now 62 years old following multiple delays in his trial and prosecution, was found guilty of 15 counts that include racketeering, sex trafficking, conspiracy, forced labor, extortion, tax evasion, and other crimes in relation to his scheme. Related story - DOJ Accidentally Publishes List Of Alleged Clients In Sarah Lawrence Case It reportedly took the jury le…
18 Arrested After Investigation Into Drug Trafficking In Hudson Valley 18 Arrested After Investigation Into Drug Trafficking In Hudson Valley
18 Arrested After Investigation Into Drug Trafficking In Hudson Valley Eighteen suspects are facing charges in the Hudson Valley following a long-term investigation into drug smuggling and sales in Orange County, authorities announced. Orange County District Attorney David Hoovler and Port Jervis Police Chief William Worden announced that they have arrested and charged 18 people who have been linked to drug possession and sales throughout the region. Several of the suspects have also been charged with smuggling drugs into the Orange County Jail and prostitution. On Monday, March 7, Hoovler announced that the 18 have been charged with crimes pertaining to the…
Two Women Facing Prostitution Charges After Investigation At Spa In Hudson Valley Two Women Facing Prostitution Charges After Investigation At Spa In Hudson Valley
Two Women Facing Prostitution Charges After Investigation At Spa In Hudson Valley Two women were nabbed in a prostitution sting at a Hudson Valley body spa following a two-month-long investigation. The two, Shao Fang Huang, age 54, and Jing Wang, age 54, both of Flushing, Queens, were busted in Orange County at the Body Beauty Spa in Harriman on Wednesday, Feb. 23. According to Sgt. Kristen Potter, of the Woodbury Police, an investigation was initiated after receiving complaints of illegal activity at the spa involving operating without a proper license and offering sexual contact in exchange for money. The Body Beauty SpaRockland Video Productions Both women were …
Six, Including Police Officer In Hudson Valley, Charged In Sex Trafficking, Bribery Scheme Six, Including Police Officer In Hudson Valley, Charged In Sex Trafficking, Bribery Scheme
Six, Including Police Officer In Hudson Valley, Charged In Sex Trafficking, Bribery Scheme A police officer who allegedly protected a prostitution ring in exchange for free sexual favors is among six facing a host of charges for their roles in operating a sex trafficking organization throughout New York, federal officials announced. In Brooklyn federal court, a 14-count indictment has been unsealed for six suspects who ran the operation - which included minors - while the cop protected them from being arrested by law enforcement. Those charged: Wayne Peiffer, age 48, of Highland in Ulster County; Jose Facundo Zarate Morals, age 32, of Queens. Luz Elvira Cardona, age 33, of Que…
Two Charged With Prostitution After Bust At Spa In New Rochelle Two Charged With Prostitution After Bust At Spa In New Rochelle
Two Charged With Prostitution After Bust At Spa In New Rochelle Two women are facing charges for prostitution after a police raid at a spa in Westchester. The New Rochelle Police Department concluded an investigation into prostitution at the Green Rivage Spa on Main Street on Wednesday, Sept. 8, leading to the arrest of two women. Yung Ling Xu, age 41, of Queens, and Sun Mi Hong, age 69, of Brooklyn, were both arrested and charged with prostitution and practicing a massage without a license. No arraignment date for the pair has been announced.
Man Transported Prostitutes To Hundreds Of Clients In Hudson Valley Village, Feds Say Man Transported Prostitutes To Hundreds Of Clients In Hudson Valley Village, Feds Say
Man Transported Prostitutes To Hundreds Of Clients In Hudson Valley Village, Feds Say A driver for an alleged Queens prostitution ring busted by the FBI had nearly 400 clients in his cellphone for a town in the Hudson Valley. Teodoro Rojas Lopez, who was arrested on Wednesday, Feb. 3, was a driver and coordinator for the large-scale ring that supplied mostly Mexican and Latin American women to clients in the Village of Brewster in Putnam County, according to a criminal complaint. The compliant said Lopez used text messages to communicate with the 383 Putnam County clients found on his cellphone. The FBI also said in the complaint that the going rate for the women's ser…
Man Charged In Sex Cult Case At College In Westchester Accused Of Witness Tampering Man Charged In Sex Cult Case At College In Westchester Accused Of Witness Tampering
Man Charged In Sex Cult Case At College In Westchester Accused Of Witness Tampering The father of a former college student in Westchester who allegedly ran a sex cult out of his daughter’s dorm room for nearly a decade is now reportedly manipulating his victims from his prison cell. Lawrence Ray, 60, who is facing charges that include sex trafficking, extortion, and forced labor, has been allegedly attempting to control at least two of his victims from inside his cell, according to a New York Times report. Ray was released from prison in 2010 and moved into the co-ed dorm of his daughter at Sarah Lawrence College near the border of Yonkers and Bronxville. It is alleged th…
Five Men Nabbed In Hudson Valley Prostitution Bust, State Police Say Five Men Nabbed In Hudson Valley Prostitution Bust, State Police Say
Five Men Nabbed In Hudson Valley Prostitution Bust, State Police Say Five men are facing charges for allegedly running a prostitution ring in the Hudson Valley that was broken up by New York State Police. New York State Police investigators arrested five area men in Orange County following an investigation into prostitution at a local motel in the Town of Wallkill. Harry Layton III, 52 of Monticello; Jack Gellman, 59 of Chester; Eric Zacatelco, 24 of Wallkill; Ronethelbert L. Givens Jr., 31 of Bethel, and Nathaniel Brown, 42 of Middletown were all arrested on Tuesday, March 3 and charged with third-degree patronizing prostitutio…
Ex-NYPD Detective, Wife Admit To Running Multi-Million Dollar Gambling, Prostitution Ring Ex-NYPD Detective, Wife Admit To Running Multi-Million Dollar Gambling, Prostitution Ring
Ex-nypd Detective, Wife Admit To Running Multi-Million Dollar Gambling, Prostitution Ring A former NYPD detective and his wife both pleaded guilty to running a multi-million dollar gambling and prostitution ring that reached from Queens to Long Island and allegedly involved seven active duty NYPD officers. Ludwig Paz, 51, who was assigned to the NYPD vice squad, pled to two counts of attempted enterprise corruption and one count of promoting prostitution, acting Queens District Attorney John Ryan said.  He also agreed to turn over $20,840 in illegal profits. His wife, Arelis Peralta, pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted enterprise corruption. She has already been sent…
Woman Charged In Prostitution Sting At Westchester Spa Woman Charged In Prostitution Sting At Westchester Spa
Woman Charged In Prostitution Sting At Westchester Spa A 56-year-old woman was busted for alleged prostitution during a sting operation at a Northern Westchester spa. Yuexiang Guo of Queens was arrested around 4 p.m., Sunday, March 31, after agreeing to engage in sex with another person for a fee at a Yorktown Heights Spa, said Yorktown Police Department Lt. Tom Gentner.  Guo's arrest comes after an ongoing investigation by the Yorktown police and the Westchester County Police at the Jefferson Valley Spa at 3505 Hill Blvd., said Gentner.  During the investigation, Guo allegedly offered to perform sex with one of the undercover office…
Three Women, Four Men Charged In Area Prostitution Bust Three Women, Four Men Charged In Area Prostitution Bust
Three Women, Four Men Charged In Area Prostitution Bust Three women and four men were nabbed during a prostitution bust following complaints from residents of prostitution taking place throughout the area. The group was arrested on Thursday during an operation conducted by officers with the City of Newburgh Police Department and the Orange County District Attorney’s Office Task Force. Those charged with prostitution included April Hoyle, 34, Luz Wilson-Colon, 31, and Susan Knapp, 64. Residents charged with patronizing a prostitute included Robert Bullis, 59; Michel Sebastian-Ramirez, 27; Leverne Barnett, 54, and Kyrie B…
Employee At Spa Charged With Prostitution After Resident Reports Suspicious Activity Employee At Spa Charged With Prostitution After Resident Reports Suspicious Activity
Employee At Spa Charged With Prostitution After Resident Reports Suspicious Activity A 52-year-old employee at a spa was arrested for prostitution following a report by a concerned citizen. Fengling Qin of Queens was arrested Wednesday, Oct. 31, by the New York State Police for unauthorized practice and prostitution, said Trooper AJ Hicks. Qin worked at the Ease Spa on Route 82, in the Billings Plaza, in LaGrange after police were contacted by a resident who reported suspicious activity at the spa.   An investigation found the licensed massage business, and its employee, Qin, were engaging in prostitution, Hicks said. Qin was issued an a…
Woman Admits To Beating, Threatening Teens To Force Them To Engage In Prostitution Woman Admits To Beating, Threatening Teens To Force Them To Engage In Prostitution
Woman Admits To Beating, Threatening Teens To Force Them To Engage In Prostitution A 25-year-old woman pleaded guilty to two counts of sex trafficking for forcing two teenagers to engage in prostitution. Franiqua Patterson of Newburgh also pleaded guilty Friday before Orange County Court Judge Craig Stephen Brown to attempted assault for injuring a woman with a knife in January, said the Orange County District Attorney's Office. At the time that she pleaded guilty, Patterson admitted forcing two 15 and 19-year-old girls to engage in prostitution activity by threats of physical violence, the DA's Office said.  Patterson admitted that she forced the girls to act as a prost…
Man Busted Patronizing Prostitute In Area, Police Say Man Busted Patronizing Prostitute In Area, Police Say
Man Busted Patronizing Prostitute In Area, Police Say A john is facing criminal charges after allegedly soliciting a prostitute in the Hudson Valley. An investigation by New York State Police detectives in Wappingers, in conjunction with the Troop K - which includes Columbia, Dutchess, Putnam and Westchester counties - determined that Accord resident Paul Vanleuven, 27, allegedly patronized a prostitute. Vanleuven was arrested last week and charged with third-degree patronizing a prostitute, a misdemeanor. After appearing in court, Vanleuven was released on his own recognizance and is due back in Fishkill Court on July 30.