Shirley man used violent threats to force woman into prostitution, police say

A Shirley man now in police custody forced a woman into prostitution and threatened her with violent sexual abuse if she refused, police said Thursday.

Cops nabbed Anton Trent, 50, on Thursday after an 18-month investigation, authorities said.

Suffolk Police’s Human Trafficking Investigations Unit started looking into Trent in May 2025.

Investigators discovered he was forcing a 29-year-old woman into prostitution, police said, and when she didn’t comply, he subjected her to violent sexual abuse, cops said.

Detectives served search warrants at two Shirley addresses about 3:58 a.m. Thursday: 14 and 17 Moriches Middle Island Road. Trent was arrested there.

A large number of law enforcement authorities assisted in the investigation, including the FBI assisted, Nassau County District Attorney investigators and the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office.

Trent is charged with three counts of sex trafficking, first-degree aggravated sexual abuse and second-degree promoting prostitution.

He was being held overnight at the Third Precinct and is scheduled to be arraigned on Friday at Suffolk First District Court in Central Islip.

Police did not indicate how Trent knew the woman or whether investigators believe there are other victims.

Detectives ask anyone with information about this case or other possible cases to call 631.854.7512, or Crime Stoppers at 1.800.220.TIPS.

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_{Top photo: Suffolk Police detectives served search warrants at two Shirley locations Thursday morning, ending an investigation that began in May 2025. Anton Trent, 50, of Shirley was arrested and faces multiple charges relating to forcing a woman into prostitution, cops said (provided by Suffolk Police).}