Read more at The New Haven Independent…

This Time, Craigslist Helped The Cops

A recurring nemesis — the online sex ad — has also proved one of the police’s best tools in cracking down on prostitutes.

So revealed Branford police after they closed down an alleged prostitution ring this week. Police said the alleged operation, at Marlow’s Health Studio, operated out of a second-story set of stores at a Branford strip mall.

Based on tips from citizens and a bold advertisement last month on an adult services page of the New Haven area’s “adult services” section of Craigslist, Branford police conducted a major investigation into Marlow’s. Fourteen police officers conducted two simultaneous raids, one in Branford, one in Ansonia, which led to six arrests, including of the alleged co-owner and the manager of the place.

Marlow’s operated in full view at a local mall off Exit 55 of I-95, the police charge. Police closed down the place, which they describe as a full-scale prostitution ring. Lt. Geoffrey Morgan said police carried out the Marlow’s sign that hung in the window, the massage tables and most importantly the client lists and other business records Wednesday night. It is now closed.

Over the last 30 years the place had been known as Marlow’s. Police said it is unclear when it actually became a house of prostitution operating openly above a nail and hair place and steps away from a dog grooming business and a Chinese restaurant. It has been known to be a massage studio and a health club. Police believe ownership changed hands some months ago.