Bohemia Prostitution Investigation Leads To Arrest: Police

BOHEMIA, NY — Suffolk County police arrested a Queens man Wednesday night following an investigation into prostitution activity in Suffolk County, police said.

According to the Suffolk County Police Department, Francisco Hernandez-Cruz was arrested near Veterans Memorial Highway in Bohemia around 10:15 p.m. following a joint investigation by the department’s Human Trafficking Investigations Unit, the New York City Police Department, and Suffolk County Police Fifth Precinct patrol officers, Crime Section, and Anti-Crime Unit.

Police said the investigation began earlier this month after Suffolk detectives received a tip from the NYPD.

According to authorities, detectives determined that Hernandez-Cruz recruited women for the purpose of conducting commercial sex work. Investigators believe he assisted the women with transportation to and from area hotels and private residences in Brentwood and other locations throughout Suffolk County to meet with clients, police said.

Detectives believe Hernandez-Cruz recruited at least five women and said there may be additional victims and other suspects involved in the operation.

Hernandez-Cruz, 47, of Corona, Queens, was charged with promoting prostitution in the third degree and fourth degree promoting prostitution, police said.

Police said detectives seized Hernandez-Cruz’s vehicle, three cellphones, U.S. currency, and sexual paraphernalia during the arrest.

Hernandez-Cruz was held overnight and is scheduled to be arraigned on Thursday at First District Court in Central Islip.

Anyone with information regarding Hernandez-Cruz or other potential suspects is asked to contact the Suffolk County Police Department’s Human Trafficking Investigations Unit at 631-854-7512, police said.