SUFFOLK, NY — A Mastic man is the second arrested in connection with sex trafficking after a year-and-a half-long investigation, Suffolk police said.
Human Trafficking Investigations Unit detectives, with the help of the 5th Precinct Gang Unit, arrested Andy Joseph, who lives on Mastic Road at around 6 p.m., according to police.
Joseph used violence to force the victim to have sexual activity with clients, police said.
Anton Trent,50, of Shirley, was arrested Nov. 5 in connection with sex trafficking after the investigation, which began in May 2025, determined he was forcing a 29-year-old woman into prostitution and, if she did not comply, he would subject her to violent sexual abuse, according to police.
Joseph, 35, was charged with third-degree sex trafficking and assault, second-degree promoting prostitution, and seventh-degree criminal possession of a controlled substance. He was held overnight at the 3rd Precinct and is scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on Friday.
Detectives are asking anyone who may have additional information on this case or other cases to call 631-854-7512 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS, a confidential police hotline.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Patchogue Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.