Aug. 6, 2025 By Bill Parry An Astoria man was sentenced in Brooklyn federal court to nearly 16 years in prison last month for running a Mexican sex trafficking crew for years. Hugo Hernandez-Velazquez, 48, was extradited from Mexico, where he had a second home, back to the United States in February 2021, for…
Feb. 24, 2025 By Shane O’Brien The NYPD has shuttered an Astoria massage parlor and alleged brothel due to alleged prostitution-related activity at the establishment. An NYPD spokesperson confirmed that Han Na Spa, located at 42-10 30th Ave., was closed on Feb. 21 pursuant to a New York State Supreme Court order. A restraining order… Read more »
Nov. 27, 2024 By sobrien Nov. 27, 2024 By Shane O’Brien Gov. Kathy Hochul, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards and several Queens elected officials gathered at Queens Borough Hall Tuesday to announce $1 million in funding to address illegal activities on Roosevelt Avenue. Hochul and Richards were joined by Assembly Members Jessica González-Rojas, Catalina Cruz… Read more »
June 9, 2023 By Michael Dorgan The NYPD shut down an alleged brothel in Woodside last week following an undercover sting operation where two women in their 60s were arrested for prostitution. Local residents say they have been calling for its closure for some time and that similar establishments are operating freely in the area…. Read more »