Suffolk County Police today arrested a man for taking part in an international human trafficking ring that brought victims into Suffolk County over the past three years.
Between March and September of 2022, Second Precinct Investigative Unit officers were surveilling the Roadway Inn, located at 270 West Jericho Turnpike, Huntington Station when they noticed women that they believed might be victims of human trafficking.
Following an investigation by the Suffolk County Police Human Trafficking Investigations Unit, assisted by the Second Precinct Investigative Unit, SCPD Warrant Enforcement Section, the NYPD, FBI, and the Nassau County District Attorney Investigators,
Erick Acevedo was arrested on Cedar Avenue in the Bronx at approximately 10:35 a.m. this morning for his role in the operation.
As part of the operation, Acevedo transported women to hotels and collected money from the sex workers. The operation has ties in the Dominican Republic, Brazil, New York, Florida and possibly other states. The investigation is ongoing.
Acevedo, 36, of the Bronx, was charged with Promoting Prostitution 3rd Degree (a D Felony), and Conspiracy 5th Degree (Misdemeanor). He was issued a Desk Appearance Ticket and is scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on a later date.
Detectives are asking anyone who may have been a victim of this human trafficking ring or have knowledge of this case to call Human Trafficking Unit detectives at 631-854-7512, or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS.
A criminal charge is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.