Bay Shore NY
7-19-2025 10:46pm

Long Island Daily News LI Man Used Drugs, Violence to Control Woman While Sex Trafficking Her: DA

BAY SHORE, NY — A Suffolk County man has been indicted on multiple charges after allegedly using drugs and violence to force a woman into prostitution, prosecutors announced this week.

Daniel Soto, 37, of Bay Shore, is facing a five-count indictment that includes charges of sex trafficking and promoting prostitution. Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney said Soto manipulated the victim’s drug addiction, threatened her with physical violence, and withheld fentanyl to maintain control.

According to investigators, Soto exploited the woman over an extended period, advertising her online and keeping the profits. He allegedly used threats of violence if she failed to comply and withheld drugs to coerce her into continuing the sex work.

“This is a deeply disturbing case of exploitation and manipulation,” said DA Tierney. “Sex trafficking is a modern-day form of slavery, and my office is committed to holding predators like this accountable.”

Soto was already in custody for unrelated charges in the high-profile rape case of 14-year-old Emmarae Gervasi, whose disappearance sparked community-wide concern earlier this year. He now faces additional legal trouble, with prosecutors seeking a lengthy prison sentence if he’s convicted on the new charges.

He pleaded not guilty during a court appearance this week and remains held on $500,000 cash bail or $3 million bond.

Authorities are encouraging anyone who may have been victimized or has information related to the case to contact the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office.

This is a developing story. Stay with Long Island Daily News for updates.

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