A Queens man is facing serious charges after prosecutors say he ran a sex-trafficking network that shuttled women and minors through hotel rooms across Long Island and into New York City. The 33-year-old is accused of recruiting victims, arranging "dates" at area motels and pocketing the money. Investigators say at least two women and three minors were targeted, including one victim described as just 14 years old.
Prosecutors identified the suspect as Tryrone Stylistic Crooks, 33, and say he operated as a "pimp" from at least 2021 to the present, allegedly trafficking women and minors in Westbury, Woodbury, Hicksville, Melville, Bethpage and Huntington, as well as in Brooklyn and Queens. According to prosecutors, he took explicit photos and videos of minors for financial benefit, threatened victims with physical violence and struck a pregnant victim before arranging dates and collecting payment, as reported by News 12 Bronx.
How Prosecutors Say The Ring Worked
Officials say Crooks found and managed his prostitution business online, using explicit images as advertising to book "dates" and move victims between rooms. The alleged setup was simple and mobile: rent a room, post the photos, line up buyers, then move on to the next motel.
That pattern of cycling victims through motels and chain hotels to conceal trafficking activity has been flagged before by Long Island investigators. In a separate case highlighted in a Suffolk County Police press release, Suffolk County Police noted similar tactics, with rooms allegedly used as temporary hubs for buyers who were never in one place for long.
Arrest And Next Steps
Crooks was arrested Wednesday night at the Budget Inn on West Jericho Turnpike in Huntington, prosecutors said. He faces charges that include sex trafficking, sexual exploitation of minors and transportation for prostitution. Prosecutors say the charging documents outline a pattern of coercion and violence tied to the alleged trafficking scheme. More details on the allegations and the ongoing investigation were reported by News 12 Bronx.
Tips And Resources
Anyone with information or who believes they may be a victim is urged to contact law enforcement. The Nassau County District Attorney's Office offers reporting options and a tipline, and Suffolk County Police's Human Trafficking Unit can also be reached for tips. See the Nassau County District Attorney's Office and Suffolk County Police for contact details.
