RIVERHEAD, N.Y. – A suburban New York man is denying charges he forcibly kept a teenager and a woman inside his home and forced them to work as prostitutes.
Suffolk County prosecutors said in a 32-count indictment Thursday that Andy Gayot of Lindenhurst repeatedly threatened the victims and coerced them into working as prostitutes. District Attorney Thomas Spota said at least once, Gayot threatened the 15-year-old victim with a chain saw.
They say the victims were driven by Gayot to undisclosed locations and forced to engage in sex for money.
He pleaded not guilty to charges including kidnapping, sex trafficking, unlawful imprisonment, promoting prostitution and child endangerment. Bond was set at $1 million.
Authorities have not identified the women.
Defense attorney Larry Flowers says his client denies the charges.
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