Anton Trent, of Shirley, charged with forcing woman into prostitution

A Shirley man was arrested Thursday and charged with forcing a 29-year-old woman into prostitution.

Anton Trent, 50, was arrested following a year-and-a-half-long investigation by the Suffolk police Human Trafficking Investigations Unit, officials said.

Police said in a news release that detectives executed search warrants Thursday at two homes on Moriches-Middle Island Road in Shirley, then arrested Trent, charging him with second-degree promoting prostitution, first-degree aggravated sexual abuse and three counts of sex trafficking. He was held overnight and scheduled for arraignment Friday in First District Court in Central Islip.

It was not immediately clear if Trent was represented by counsel.

In its statement announcing the arrest, police said only that the investigation began in May 2025 and that during the course of that investigation "it was determined Anton Trent was forcing a 29-year-old woman into prostitution and, if she did not comply, he would subject her to violent sexual abuse."

Additional details were not immediately available Friday.

Police are asking anyone with information regarding this case — or, similar cases — to contact detectives at 631-854-7512 or Crime Stoppers at 800-220-TIPS.

By John Valenti

john.valenti@newsday.com

John Valenti, a Newsday reporter since 1981, has been honored nationally by the Associated Press, Society of the Silurians and National Headliner Awards for investigative, enterprise and breaking news reporting, as well as column writing. He is the author of “Swee'pea,” about New York playground basketball star Lloyd Daniels. His debut crime novel, “For Nothing Is Hidden,” rooted in 1950s Long Island, was released in October 2025.