So revealed Branford police after they closed down an alleged prostitution ring this week. Police said the alleged operation, at Marlow’s Health Studio, operated out of a second-story set of stores at a Branford strip mall.
Based on tips from citizens and a bold advertisement last month on an adult services page of the New Haven area’s “adult services” section of Craigslist, Branford police conducted a major investigation into Marlow’s. Fourteen police officers conducted two simultaneous raids, one in Branford, one in Ansonia, which led to six arrests, including of the alleged co-owner and the manager of the place.
Marlow’s operated in full view at a local mall off Exit 55 of I‑95, the police charge. Police closed down the place, which they describe as a full-scale prostitution ring. Lt. Geoffrey Morgan said police carried out the Marlow’s sign that hung in the window, the massage tables and most importantly the client lists and other business records Wednesday night. It is now closed.
Over the last 30 years the place had been known as Marlow’s. Police said it is unclear when it actually became a house of prostitution operating openly above a nail and hair place and steps away from a dog grooming business and a Chinese restaurant. It has been known to be a massage studio and a health club. Police believe ownership changed hands some months ago. The co-owner, Jazmin Benavides, 34, and Howard Johnson, 48, who ran the desk, both of Ansonia, were charged with promoting and permitting prostitution.
Police Chief John DeCarlo reiterated in an interview that prostitution is not a victimless crime, that it has long been linked to illegal drug trafficking and related criminal activity. He also said Branford should not be a destination place for prostitution, which it had become in certain circles via the internet and Craigslist.
“We have looked at Marlow’s before. It has been on my radar,” he said. Recently the Craigslist ad and tips from local citizens gave us a new incentive. Detective Lt. William Carroll put it at the top of his list. “We made it a priority,” he said in an interview.
Law enforcement in general has complained that Craiglist has abetted prostituion. State Attorney General Richard Blumenthal has led a national effort to crack down on Craiglist escort ads. At the same, the site is proving a double-edge sword: This is the second time Craigslist has helped Branford cops track down alleged prostitution and make arrests.
The Craigslist’s advertisement for Marlow’s was long and detailed and ran next to a sex ad for a woman who described herself as a “Golden Ebony Goddess.” The Goddess ad on Craigslist led to a Branford police undercover prostitution sting at a local motel. A 25-year-old Bridgeport woman was arrested Nov 12.
Craigslist has since removed the ad; the Eagle obtained it last month about the time when police ramped up their inquiry into Marlow’s. It gave its hours: Monday through Friday from 11 to 9:30 p.m.and Saturday from 11 to 6:30 p.m. It set the scene — a “cozy location” — and told customers to reply to a Yahoo e‑mail address. It gave its phone number. It also ran two rave reviews from satisfied customers.
“Come meet Angel on Wednesday and Courtney on Thursday. Don’t Miss this,” the ad read. “Don’t miss our sensational Saturday featuring a blond bombshell.
“Come see all of our beautiful hostesses! Many to choose from. “
The kicker, and the draw, police said, was that Marlow’s offered, as the ad went on to say, “at least one new hostess every other day, three at all times. You choose.” The new woman hostess every other day was the draw. The women were paid minimal fees, counting on tips mostly. According to another sex site, the customers typically paid a minimum $55 for 30 minutes. Other prices varied.
As for safety, the ad told the johns — two of whom were allegedly at the place when it was raided this week — that Marlow’s was safe:
“We offer a warm, cozy, safe location. Why show up at some hotel with some fake, and take risks?”
To corroborate ongoing illegal sexual activity the police needed an undercover person who would engage in sexual acts and record it. Without a tape, it would be difficult to get search warrants.
Police did not use a police officer, who might be recognized, but a confidential witness who posed as a customer and managed to conceal a recording device. This information led police to secure the arrest warrants that led to the arrests and the confiscation of client lists. Click here to read about a similar undercover operation in New Haven.
According to Lt. Morgan, more arrests are likely. Morgan said an examination of the records seized will provide more detailed information about the history of the operation and the clientele.
Yesterday the only visible reminder of Marlow’s was the lone sign the cops could not pull down, the huge one that lists all the mall’s businesses.
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