Recently, the Suffolk County District Attorney announced that three individuals pleaded guilty to various charges for their involvement in a prostitution operation. Here's a breakdown of what happened, what the law says, and the surprising details about who was involved.
The Brothels
The criminal enterprise was run by Frank Saggio, who operated two brothels under the guise of spas in Holbrook and West Babylon, New York, between October 2019 and June 2024. The locations were known as Suite 3, Suite 4, and Suite 5 at 6089 Sunrise Highway in Holbrook, and the "Tunnel of Love" in West Babylon.
Saggio, along with his co-defendants, employed managers and required the sex workers to pay a significant monthly fee—$6,000 at the Holbrook location and a hefty $12,000 at the West Babylon location.
The Guilty Pleas and the Law
Frank Saggio, 61: Saggio, the ringleader, pleaded guilty to Enterprise Corruption, a serious felony. This charge is designed to target organized crime, where individuals knowingly participate in a pattern of criminal activity as part of a larger criminal organization. Saggio must pay a forfeiture of $1,875,000 and will serve two to six years in prison.
Dana Ciardullo, 33: Ciardullo, Saggio's girlfriend, managed the West Babylon brothel. She pleaded guilty to Promoting Prostitution in the Third Degree, a felony. This charge applies to individuals who knowingly manage or profit from a prostitution business involving two or more people. Ciardullo will serve six months in jail, followed by five years of probation.
The Police Officer's Involvement
Perhaps the most shocking part of this case is the involvement of a public servant. George Trimigliozzi, a 56-year-old, 18-year veteran of the Suffolk County Police Department, served as a co-manager of the Holbrook brothel. His involvement wasn't just a side gig; he used his position to protect the operation.
Trimigliozzi was so committed to his illicit business that on March 19, 2021, he abandoned his police duties and drove his patrol car at nearly 90 mph to respond to a robbery at the brothel, a location he was not authorized to be at. His actions led to him pleading guilty to two additional, unrelated charges:
Official Misconduct: This is a misdemeanor charge for public servants who, with the intent to gain a benefit, commit an unauthorized act related to their official duties or knowingly fail to perform a required duty. Trimigliozzi's unauthorized abandonment of his post to protect his brothel falls squarely into this category.
Unlawful Imprisonment in the Second Degree: A misdemeanor charge for knowingly and unlawfully restraining another person. This charge stems from a separate incident where he unlawfully imprisoned a woman in his personal vehicle.
For his crimes, Trimigliozzi will be sentenced to a total of two years in jail, plus an additional 30 days to run concurrently with the two-year sentence. He has been suspended without pay from the Suffolk County Police Department.
Why Does the Police Officer's Sentence Seem Lenient?
The two-year sentence for a police officer involved in these crimes may seem lenient, especially when compared to the maximum penalties possible under the law. For example, Promoting Prostitution in the Third Degree is a Class D felony that can carry a maximum sentence of seven years in prison.
However, the legal system often uses plea agreements. These deals allow a defendant to plead guilty to lesser charges or receive a reduced sentence in exchange for avoiding a lengthy and costly trial. This guarantees a conviction for the prosecution and saves time and resources.
Factors that influence such a deal can include the strength of the evidence, the defendant's cooperation with the investigation, or a lack of prior criminal history. While the sentence is below the maximum, it results in a permanent felony conviction and the loss of his career, which are significant consequences.
What Happens After He Serves His Time?
Many readers may be wondering about the long-term consequences for a police officer who commits such crimes. Here's a look at what typically happens in New York State:
Can He Resume His Job as a Police Officer? No. A felony conviction in New York State will disqualify an individual from holding a position as a police officer. The trust placed in law enforcement is paramount, and a criminal record, especially one tied to official misconduct, is an absolute bar to reemployment.
Will He Forfeit His Pension? This is a complex but crucial question. In New York, public officials convicted of certain felonies related to their public office may be forced to forfeit their pensions. Trimigliozzi's plea to "Official Misconduct" and "Promoting Prostitution" (a felony in connection with his duties) could trigger a separate legal proceeding to determine if his pension benefits should be reduced or revoked. Forfeiture isn't automatic and requires a court order, but given the nature of his crimes, it is a very strong possibility. If his pension is forfeited, he is typically entitled to a lump-sum return of his own contributions to the retirement system, but not the taxpayer-funded portion.
What's Next?
A fourth co-defendant, Steven Arey, a 26-year employee of the Islip School District, was also charged, but his case is still pending. This case serves as a stark reminder that corruption can reach into places you might not expect, even involving those sworn to uphold the law.
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