An Islip Terrace woman was arrested Monday after Suffolk County police said she operated a residential brothel for more than a decade.
Helen Mantell, 67, of 204 Cedarwood Street, was charged with prostitution after an investigation at that address, police said.
The Suffolk County Police Human Trafficking Investigations Unit, assisted by Third Precinct patrol officers, began investigating after community complaints about the location.
Detectives said they found online advertisements and message boards indicating Mantell had been operating the alleged brothel since at least 2012. Police said she used the name “Phyllis” in the advertisements.
The investigation is continuing, but police said there is currently no evidence of human trafficking.
Mantell was issued a desk appearance ticket and is scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip at a later date.
Anyone with information is asked to call the Human Trafficking Investigations Unit at 631-854-7512. Anonymous tips can also be submitted to Suffolk County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS, through the P3 Tips app or at P3Tips.com.
A criminal charge is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Photo: SCPD
