Two women were arrested Thursday after Suffolk County police executed a search warrant at an alleged brothel operating out of a building on Commack Road that appears online to be associated with a preschool, authorities said.
The search took place May 21 at 12:55 p.m. at 1005 Commack Road, according to Suffolk County police. While police identified the location as Commack, online records and mapping services place the property in the Dix Hills area along a largely residential stretch of Commack Road.
Google Maps imagery for the address also shows signage for “Hope Enrichment Preschool” outside the property.
Police said the investigation began after community complaints about activity at the location.
Detectives with the Suffolk County Police Department’s Human Trafficking Investigations Unit, assisted by Second Precinct Patrol and Crime Section officers, investigated reports of a brothel at the address before executing the search warrant Thursday afternoon.
Maria Marin-Barco, 31, of Flushing, and Andreina Campos-Herrera, 33, of Dix Hills, were both charged with prostitution, police said. Authorities alleged the women advertised their services on internet sites.
During the search, detectives seized cash and electronic devices, according to police. The Town of Huntington Code Enforcement and Fire Marshal also issued several summonses to the homeowner.
Both women were issued desk appearance tickets and are scheduled to be arraigned at a later date.
The investigation remains ongoing. Detectives are asking anyone with information about activity at the location to contact the Suffolk County Police Department Human Trafficking Investigations Unit at 631-854-7512 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS.
A criminal charge is an accusation. Defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Photo: Google Maps
