Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced the indictment of four individuals, including a Suffolk County police officer and an Islip High School teacher, for allegedly running multiple brothels in Suffolk County. The accused, Frank Saggio, George Trimigliozzi, Steven Arey, and Dana Ciardullo, face charges of enterprise corruption and promoting prostitution.
"It is a sad day in law enforcement when a public servant is arrested. However, I made a commitment to this County that no one is above the law, and that includes those who are supposed to embody the best of public service," said District Attorney Tierney. "The allegations in this indictment describe a long-term pattern of organized criminal activity and a shocking betrayal of public trust."
The investigation revealed that between October 2019 and June 2024, Saggio allegedly led a criminal enterprise profiting from prostitution at two locations in Suffolk County. Trimigliozzi served as a police officer for 18 years; Arey worked for the Islip School District for 26 years; and Ciardullo was Saggio's girlfriend.
All defendants are accused of hiring sex workers, collecting proceeds known as "house fees," and posting advertisements seeking patrons. Trimigliozzi and Arey managed operations at the American Girls Spa in Holbrook. Ciardullo managed another location called Tunnel of Love.
On March 19, 2021, Trimigliozzi allegedly responded to a robbery at American Girls Spa while on duty as an officer without authorization from his department. He reportedly falsified paperwork regarding his actions that day.
Saggio also faces charges of sex trafficking for allegedly requiring sex workers to pay him substantial monthly amounts by signing leases they could not understand due to language barriers.
The defendants were arraigned before Supreme Court Justice Timothy P. Mazzei on October 15, 2024. Saggio faces multiple counts including enterprise corruption and sex trafficking with bail set at $250,000 cash or $500,000 bond. Trimigliozzi's charges include enterprise corruption and falsifying business records with bail set at $25,000 cash or $50,000 bond. Arey faces similar charges with identical bail conditions. Ciardullo also faces charges related to promoting prostitution with matching bail requirements.
This case is being prosecuted by Deputy Bureau Chief Laura de Oliveira and Bureau Chief Kevin Ward from the Public Corruption Bureau following an investigation by the District Attorney’s Public Corruption Squad.