Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Imam Busted In Prostitution Sting 10 Blocks From His Mosque
By
Chris O'Shea
Published Aug 25, 2011
Modified Aug 25, 2011
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Chris O'Shea
Published Aug 25, 2011
Modified Aug 25, 2011
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Imam Charles Aziz Bilal has been arrested in a South Jamaica, Queens prostitution sting. According to authorities, late Tuesday night Bilal offered $25 to an undercover agent in exchange for sex at a Howard Johnson, which was just 10 blocks from the mosque that he runs. At least it wasn't at a Dunkin' Donuts.
However, it was during Ramadan, which — rightfully so — has some of Bilal's congregation a little shocked by the news. "I know that's not true," a man told The Daily News. "This is the month of Ramadan. It's not possible. In the most important month of the year, no one can believe this."
Unfortunately for his fans, it seems Bilal has a knack for doing the wrong thing. He's allegedly been arrested 18 times since 1970, for everything from grand larceny to attempting to bribe a public official. Not exactly someone who garners much, well, faith, is he?
Bilal, 58, is also, ironically enough, a chaplain at Rikers Island. We're guessing that soliciting sex from undercover cops is one sermon he hasn't covered yet.
Tagged
imam
islam
prostitute
queens
Chris O'Shea
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Man shot by ICE in NYC still has bullet lodged in neck, attorneys say
Oscar Belgal, a 28-year-old immigrant from the Dominican Republic, was in solitary confinement at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Sunset Park on Monday.
By
Liam Quigley
Published Oct 12, 2026 at 11:37 a.m. ET
NY measles spread prompts 'disaster' emergency. It didn't have to be this way, health commissioner says.
The state health commissioner says the disease outbreak is wholly preventable.
By
Elizabeth Shwe
News
NY measles spread prompts 'disaster' emergency. It didn't have to be this way, health commissioner says.
The state health commissioner says the disease outbreak is wholly preventable.
By
Elizabeth Shwe
NYC wants to move deliveries onto the waterways. It's starting with a 55-year-old boat.
By
Liam Quigley
Inside the luxury Greenpoint high-rise powered by a rumbling generator for over a month
By
David Brand
Mayor Mamdani orders review of NYPD use of force policies
By
Michael Sol Warren
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .