Say Maspeth Couple Ran Sex Sales
Detectives busted a Maspeth couple last week who allegedly forced two women to sell themselves for sex romps arranged through an online classified, law enforcement sources stated.
Police identified the suspects as Adam Vilella, 32, and Ilenia Sara DiSimone, 18, both residents of 56th Drive.
According to information provided by the Queens District Attorney’s office, Vilella and DiSimone allegedly pimped out the women, ages 19 and 21, in sex sales held at the Verve Hotel, located at 40-03 29th St. in the Dutch Kills section of Long Island City.
Reportedly, the illicit transactions took place over a one-week period between Oct. 14 and 21, with the suspects allegedly offering the women’s services through ads posted on Craigslist.
Detectives determined that the two victims had sex with multiple customers at the hotel over the one-week period. Vilella reportedly collected $200 fees from each customer.
When one of the women threatened to walk away from the scheme, authorities said, he allegedly intimidated her, claiming there would be “consequences” if she left.
In another instance, law enforcement sources stated, Vilella allegedly supplied one of the victims with cocaine for use on a daily basis.
Photos of the victims were included in the Craigslist advertisements. Reportedly, a mother of a victim recognized her daughter in one of the photos.
Police were notified, and the 104th Precinct Detective Squad launched an investigation that culminated in a visit to the Verve Hotel early last Tuesday morning, Oct. 21.
Upon arrival, authorities noted, the detectives found Vilella and the two victims in the room where the illegal conduct allegedly took place.
Vilella and DiSimone were taken into custody and charged with promoting prostitution.
According to court records, they were arraigned later that day in Queens Criminal Court before Judge David Hawkins. Vilella remains held on $50,000 bail, while DiSimone is held on $5,000 bail. Both are scheduled to return to court on Nov. 12.
