BROOKLYN, NEW YORK — Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez announced the arraignment of David Blakis, a 46-year-old Brooklyn resident and Metropolitan Transportation Authority structural maintainer, on charges related to operating a brothel out of his Greenpoint apartment. Blakis, who is currently suspended from his job, faces third- and fourth-degree charges of promoting prostitution and permitting prostitution.
The investigation into Blakis’s activities began in February 2023 following neighbor complaints about unusual visitor patterns to the building. An undercover operation on February 11, 2023, led to the arrest of two women from the apartment after an undercover NYPD officer was offered sexual services in exchange for poker chips.
Further investigations revealed extensive evidence of prostitution activities, including surveillance footage showing a constant flow of men and women entering and leaving the apartment. An undercover officer’s visit in November 2023 confirmed ongoing illicit activities, leading to a search warrant execution that resulted in the seizure of electronic devices with evidence of prostitution promotion, around $5,000 in cash, and other incriminating materials.
Blakis was ordered to return to court on May 8, 2024. The Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office, emphasizing the importance of community safety and quality of life, thanked the Human Trafficking Unit and NYPD Brooklyn VICE Module for their investigative efforts.