Steven Arey, a former Islip school teacher, has been arrested for running a prostitution ring with a cop named George Trimigliozzi. The arrest occurred after a three-year undercover investigation, per Suffolk County District Attorney. Frank Saggio and Dana Ciardullo have also been taken into custody for running two brothels in Suffolk, New York. The four of them are charged with multiple counts.
On Tuesday, Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney held a conference to provide details about the case in which Steven Arey has been charged. He revealed how Arey, 53, worked as a physical education teacher at Islip High School for 26 years. On the other hand, George Trimigliozzi, 55, was with the Suffolk Police Department for 18 years.
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Tierney revealed the two allegedly worked for Saggio, who was "the leader of a criminal enterprise that profited from the systematic promotion of prostitution at two locations in Suffolk County," per News12 Long Island. Arey and Trimigliozzi reportedly managed the business for Saggio and also hired workers and collected money from them as house fees.
What led to the investigation of Steven Arey and George Trimigliozzi's involvement in Saggio's business?
During the press conference, Tierney revealed that the alleged criminal activities of Saggio and his team came to light in 2021. It all happened when one of the sex workers called Trimigliozzi to report that a customer had been robbed. The GPS data of his patrol car revealed how he rushed to the brothel from Islip Terrace.
Tierney said, "The allegations in this indictment describe a long-term pattern of organized criminal activity and a shocking betrayal of public trust."
"Trimigliozzi allegedly abandoned his post without notifying the Suffolk County Police Department and sped at speeds of almost 90 mph to the prostitution business. So he traveled 6 miles outside his precinct, into the adjoining 5th Precinct area, without permission and he never obviously documented these actions," he added.
Trimigliozzi was suspended in August 2024 by the Suffolk County Police Department, per Tierney.
When the police busted the racket, Steven Arey and George Trimigliozzi were charged with a variety of offenses. Their alleged boss Saggio is facing over 50 counts for promoting sex work and two counts of trafficking. During the investigation, more than $100,000 was found hidden in Saggio's West Islip home.
Netizens are shocked to hear about the illegal ring. One wrote,
"In my childhood town. W*F?"
All four defendants could face eight to 25 years in prison if convicted.
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