Two Brooklyn women were arrested Wednesday after Suffolk County police say they were operating a brothel out of a home in Sayville.
Suffolk police say detectives from the Human Trafficking Investigation Unit conducted a search at a home on Henry Street around 10 a.m. following multiple reports of suspicious activity.
Investigators say 55-year-old Xuehua Chao and 41-year-old Yamei Qiu were taken into custody and charged with prostitution. Police say the women used the names “Mary” and “Flame” while advertising commercial sex services online.
During the search, detectives recovered massage tables, cash and electronic devices believed to be connected to the operation.
A business owner across the street said she had noticed unusual foot traffic in the area but was surprised to learn the extent of the alleged activity.
“People coming in and out, strangers, right here on a residential street. It’s just unacceptable,” she said.
Police are asking anyone with information to contact the Human Trafficking Investigation Unit or Crime Stoppers. The two women are expected to be arraigned at a later date.