Huntington massage parlors accused of offering sex services have been targeted extensively in recent months by Suffolk police responding to community complaints.
At least four massage parlors around Huntington have been raided since the beginning of the year, leading to the arrest of one to three women in each action. The arrested women are all listed as residents of Flushing, Queens; almost all are in their 40s or older, though one raid netted a woman who was 61 and another who was 23; and all are given desk appearance tickets for later court dates.
Most raides result in a variety of charges, such as unauthorized practice of a profession, an E felony; sometimes prostitution, a misdemeanor, or criminal nuisance second degree, also a misdemeanor.
In response to questions, Suffolk County Police said that the businesses appear to be independently operated and are not part of a larger organization. The department also said that officers had worked closely with the department’s human trafficking investigations unit, and there was no evidence of trafficking at the raided businesses.
Asked about what provoked an arrest, police said, “There are certain elements of the statute that need to occur in order for officers to make an arrest.” Of those patronizing prostitutes, police said, “All parties involved are interviewed. In some cases, those patronizing could be issued a field appearance ticket.”
Based on a search of names in electronic court records, none of the women appear to have previously faced charges.
Queens Woman Arrested After Huntington Station Massage Parlor Raid