Consequences For Patronizing A Prostitute In Rockland County

In June of 2025, ABC 7 reported that two people had been arrested in Nanuet for sex trafficking and child endangerment. In other words, these people were accused of organizing a prostitution ring. These kinds of individuals generally face the most serious consequences for prostitution, but what happens if you were accused of merely acting as a customer? This is called “patronizing a prostitute” in Rockland County, and it may lead to notable penalties.

Concerned Community Members Report Prostitution in Nanuet 

Clarkstown Police say that they first responded to the alleged prostitution ring after hearing reports from concerned community members. These neighbors reportedly say people were coming and going from the defendants’ house day and night, and this led them to call the authorities.

After becoming aware of these alleged activities, the authorities began “infiltrating online platforms” known for prostitution. They say this allowed them to gather the evidence they needed to make the arrests.

When they made the arrest, officers reportedly found children inside the defendants’ home living in “horrible” conditions. The defendants allegedly told these minors to remain in their rooms while the prostitution was occurring in the house. However, no one is alleging the children were involved in the actual sex work in any way.

The children were removed by Child Protective Services for medical treatment and observation. After the arrests, local officials stressed that prostitution is not a “victimless crime.” They also urged local residents to continue reporting any suspicious behavior in the community.

The Penalties for Patronizing a Prostitute in New York 

If you were caught paying for the services of a sex worker, you might face charges of “patronizing a prostitute” in New York. Note that you can face charges for this offense even if no sexual activity ever occurs. The only requirement is that you hand over payment with the understanding that you’ll receive some kind of sexual service in return.

There are a few “degrees” of this offense to consider. Third-degree patronizing a prostitute can lead to a prison sentence of one year, and it is a Class A misdemeanor. If you patronize a prostitute under 18, you could face a second-degree offense and a maximum prison sentence of seven years. This is also classified as a Class E felony.

With all that said, authorities often focus on the people who are organizing prostitution rings and trafficking sex workers. In 2022, a New York lawmaker received a six-month sentence for patronizing a prostitute. However, he also offered to pay for these services for Oxycodone pills – which made his offense particularly heinous. With help from defense attorneys, defendants may be able to push for even lighter sentences.

Can a Criminal Defense Attorney in Rockland County Help With Prostitution Charges? 

An experienced criminal defense attorney in Rockland County may be able to help you fight prostitution charges. Perhaps you were accused of “patronizing” these services. Maybe you face allegations of acting as a sex worker. You might also face allegations of sex trafficking and organizing a prostitution ring. Whatever the case may be, all charges related to prostitution can lead to serious penalties. Discuss potential defense strategies by contacting Phillip J. Murphy, Attorney at Law today.

Sources:

abc7ny.com/post/people-arrested-alleged-role-sex-trafficking-prostitution-ring-nanuet-ny-undercover-police-operation/16724304/

rocklandreport.com/clarkstown-police-department-arrest-2-during-trafficking-operation-in-nanuet-and-rescue-multiple-children/

nypost.com/2022/09/16/ex-long-island-lawmaker-william-spencer-pleads-guilty-to-patronizing-prostitute-lying-about-it/