Man Found Guilty In Long Island Sex Trafficking Trial

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) -- A Long Island man has been cleared of kidnapping charges, but convicted of forcing a woman and teenager into prostitution.

A Suffolk County judge found Andrew Gayot, 37, of Lindenhurst, guilty Tuesday after a non-jury trial of 34 of 50 criminal counts including assault, strangulation, sex-trafficking and compelling prostitution.

Prosecutors said Gayot held a 15-year-old runaway and 21-year-old woman in his home and forced them into prostitution. The older woman was held for over a year, and the teen was held for about four months, police said.

Gayot controlled his victims with violence and intimidation, according to Assistant District Attorney Stacy Skorupa.

"He used drugs, he used violence, numerous methods and made quite a bit of money off of them and what he did," Skorupa said.

House in Lindenhurst where authorities said two females were held against their will and forced into prostitution. (credit: Mona Rivera/1010 WINS)

Skorupa called it a fair verdict.

"It should send a message to anyone out there looking to victimize somebody to think twice before they do it," she said.

Gayot faces up to 50 years in prison when he's sentenced next month.

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