Long Island

Married Long Island Father of 2 Accused of Trying to Kidnap and Traffic Women; Rope and Zip-Ties Found at His Home, Feds Say

He allegedly tried to kidnap at least two women who escaped by jumping out of his moving vehicle; zip-ties and ropes were found at his home

What to Know

  • A married father of two from Long Island has been arrested on federal attempted trafficking by force and attempted kidnapping charges
  • 54-year-old Andrew Frey was taken into custody by the FBI and Suffolk County police Friday morning and is expected to be arraigned later
  • He allegedly tried to kidnap at least two women who escaped by jumping out of his moving vehicle; zip-ties and ropes were found at his home

A 54-year-old Long Island man has been arrested on federal charges for allegedly trying to kidnap two sex workers on separate occasions and then traffic them for his own financial gain, according to prosecutors and court documents.

Andrew Frey, a married father of two from Coram, was arrested by the FBI and Suffolk County police Friday on multiple counts of attempted sex trafficking and attempted kidnapping. Prosecutors allege Frey, whom they say has a history of violence against sex workers, arranged separate meetings with two women, then tried to take them to a secluded location by force.

In both cases, one this past July, the other in October 2018, the women escaped by jumping out of his moving vehicle. Rope, zip-ties and manuals on knot-tying were recovered in an evidence search of his home Friday, authorities said.

In a detention memo seeking his remand, prosecutors said he targeted the women, identified as Jane Doe 1 and Jane Doe 2 by soliciting and patronizing them for commercial sex. He arranged meetings with them, "then, using both force and threats of force, Frey attempted to take the women -- over their strong objections -- to a secluded location," the detention memo says.

It wasn't clear where Frey allegedly tried to take them, but both women leaped out of his moving car on the way there. Both were injured in the process, prosecutors say, but survived. Details on their injuries weren't clear, but in asking Frey be remanded, prosecutors said he tried to contact both victims even after their escape, "making clear that he is an ongoing threat to these victims and others." The memo says Frey, armed with a weapon, allegedly tried to kidnap Jane Doe 1 again after her first escape but she managed to get away.

Prosecutors also cite a violent history. They say other sex workers have reported violent encounters with him, including one who sought and received an order of protection against him after he allegedly rammed his vehicle into hers. She later reported Frey violated that order by leaving her threatening voicemails.

Frey, a manager at an aircraft components factory, also has prior convictions for criminal possession of a controlled substance, criminal mischief, criminal possession of stolen property, unauthorized use of a vehicle and criminal possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell, which is a felony. 

"The evidence of the defendant’s guilt is exceedingly strong," the memo continues. "The government intends to prove the defendant’s guilt at trial through the testimony of multiple witnesses, including Jane Doe #1 and Jane Doe #2; evidence seized from the defendant’s residence including rope, zip ties and manuals on knot tying; phone records and photographs documenting the injuries sustained during the defendant’s actions."

Frey appeared in federal court later on Friday, sobbing as he entered a not guilty plea. He was ordered held without bail, and his lawyer refused to comment. He faces a minimum 15-year mandatory sentence of convicted of the charges in the indictment. 

Prosecutors say there may be other victims. Anyone with information about Frey is asked to call 1-800-CALL-FBI. 

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