A quiet Sayville block turned into the center of an active police investigation Wednesday, as Suffolk County detectives raided a Henry Street home they say was being run as a brothel. Members of the Human Trafficking Investigation Unit executed a search warrant at the house, recovering massage tables, cash and electronic devices, authorities said. Two women from Brooklyn were charged with prostitution and issued desk appearance tickets; they are expected to be arraigned at a later date.
Police Say the Search Targeted 47 Henry Street
Suffolk County Police say detectives hit the door at 47 Henry St. in Sayville at 10:24 a.m. Wednesday and arrested Xuehua Chao, 55, and Yamei Qiu, 41, both of Brooklyn, on prostitution charges, according to a Suffolk County Police Department press release. Investigators say Chao and Qiu advertised services online using the names “Mary” and “Flame” and were issued desk appearance tickets while the broader probe into the alleged operation continues. Detectives reported recovering massage tables, cash and electronic devices they believe are tied to the business.
Neighbors and Business Owners Raise Alarms
On a block better known for quiet homes than police activity, people had apparently been paying attention. A business owner across the street told News 12 New York she had noticed “people coming in and out” of the house and called the steady stream of unfamiliar visitors “unacceptable” for a residential area. Residents said multiple complaints about unusual comings and goings prompted investigators to take a closer look at the property. Several neighbors told reporters they were stunned to learn that alleged commercial sex activity was unfolding on their otherwise quiet Sayville street.
Evidence Seized and Follow-Up
Detectives say they seized massage tables, cash and electronic devices during the raid and took the two women into custody; both were issued Desk Appearance Tickets, according to the Suffolk County Police Department. The Human Trafficking Investigation Unit led the operation with assistance from Fifth Precinct officers, and detectives are asking anyone with information to call 631-854-7512 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS. The department also emphasized that “a criminal charge is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.”
Bigger Picture: Recent Sayville Trafficking Prosecutions
The arrests land in the middle of a broader federal and local crackdown on trafficking and brothel activity across Long Island, including a high-profile case tied to the Sayville Motor Lodge that ended in a 22-year prison sentence in April, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, EDNY. Prosecutors and police have repeatedly pointed to online ads and short-term lodging as recurring trouble spots in these investigations. For now, Suffolk detectives say their investigation into what was allegedly happening inside the Henry Street address is still very much active.
