Suffolk County Police last night arrested a man for promoting prostitution.
Following an investigation by the Suffolk County Police Department's Human Trafficking Investigations Unit, in conjunction with the New York City Police Department and Suffolk County Police Fifth Precinct Patrol, Crime Section and Anti-Crime Unit, arrested Francisco Hernandez-Cruz near Veterans Memorial Highway in Bohemia at approximately 10:15 p.m. for promoting prostitution.
The investigation, which began with a tip from the NYPD earlier this month, revealed Hernandez-Cruz recruited women for the purposes of conducting commercial sex work. Detectives believe Hernandez-Cruz assisted the women in traveling to and from area hotels and residences in Brentwood and other locations in Suffolk County to see clients. Hernandez-Cruz recruited at least five women, and detectives believe there are more victims and other suspects working with him.
Hernandez-Cruz, 47, of Corona, Queens, was charged with Promoting Prostitution 3rd Degree and Promoting Prostitution 4th Degree. Detectives seized his vehicle, three cellphones, US currency, and sexual paraphernalia.
He is being held overnight and is scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on January 22.
Detectives ask anyone who has information on Hernandez-Cruz or other suspects to call the Human Trafficking Investigations Unit, at 631-854-7512.
A criminal charge is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.