New York man found guilty of prostitution charges in Florida

Edik Asadorian faces 20 years in federal prison

A New York man was found guilty on Tuesday of interstate transportation for prostitution and interstate violation of a protective order against domestic violence.

Edik Asadorian, 43, of Queens, New York faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for Feb. 29, 2016.

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Asadorian, an Iranian national, was indicted on May 15, 2015.

According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, on Nov. 13, 2014, Asadorian engaged in domestic violence against a woman in Queens, New York. Evidence revealed he punched and choked the woman, threw her against a wall, and onto the floor of an apartment the two shared, causing visible injuries.

A New York court issued an order of protection directing Asadorian to stay away from the woman and to have no contact with the victim whatsoever.

Instead of complying with that order, Asadorian transported the woman to Jacksonville, Florida, with the intent that she engage in prostitution. Less than 24 hours after arriving in Jacksonville, an ad for the woman was placed on the Internet site, Backpage.com.

Asadorian also obtained multiple hotel rooms in the Jacksonville area to be used for the illegal activities. Within hours of placing the ad, the woman began prostituting and scheduling appointments for the following day.

The woman was taken to a person both Asadorian and the woman believed was a customer, but turned out to be an undercover detective with the Orange Park Police Department.

The detective was participating in a prostitution and anti-human-trafficking sting coordinated by the Clay County Sheriff’s office. When the woman arrived, she had gel, lingerie, and other items Asadorian had provided to her for prostitution.

This case was investigated by the Orange Park Police Department, the New York City Police Department, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.