Long Island prosecutors are currently in the process of seizing a $1.2 million home on Fire Island from Frank Saggio, the alleged mastermind behind a long-standing prostitution ring that operated two brothels in Suffolk County. Saggio, a 60-year-old with ties to the mafia, is facing a $1.96 million civil forfeiture case for allegedly using illegal profits to purchase the lavish beachfront property.
The brothels in Holbrook and West Babylon were allegedly run by Saggio, his mistress Dana Ciardullo, gym teacher Steven Arey, and former six-time Suffolk “Cop of the Month” George Trimigliozzi. The group is facing charges of enterprise corruption and promoting prostitution in a 58-count indictment.
According to court records, Saggio ran the brothels from October 2019 to June 2024. Trimigliozzi and Arey managed the American Girls Spa location in Holbrook, while Ciardullo operated the West Babylon spot inside an adult store called Tunnel of Love. The prostitutes working at these establishments were reportedly charged exorbitant fees for “leases” on the rooms they worked in, but received only tips and no payment for their services.
Saggio allegedly used a shell company named after the Holbrook brothel’s address to collect illegal payments disguised as rent. His wife, Lisa Piazza Saggio, was listed as the company’s sole officer, but prosecutors believe it was a front for Saggio himself.
In July 2022, Saggio sold the Holbrook property for $1.2 million and quickly purchased a $1.25 million beach house on Bungalow Walk. Prosecutors suspect that this was part of a money laundering scheme involving the proceeds from the brothel.
Despite the ongoing legal battle to reclaim the Fire Island home, Saggio, Ciardullo, Trimigliozzi, and Arey continue to face criminal charges related to the alleged prostitution ring. All four have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The case has shed light on the dark underworld of organized crime and illicit activities on Long Island, with law enforcement cracking down on those involved in illegal enterprises. The fight for justice continues as prosecutors work to dismantle the operation and hold the perpetrators accountable for their actions.
