Cambridge Councilor Paul Toner Accused in High-End Brothel Scandal

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. — Paul Toner, a city councilor in Cambridge, faces allegations of purchasing sex from a lucrative brothel network operating out of luxury apartments in Cambridge, Watertown, and Virginia. Toner was publicly identified during a magistrate’s hearing on Friday, marking him as the most prominent figure among 11 men connected to this case.

The brothel ring is believed to have generated over $5.6 million from more than 9,400 customer visits since it began operating in 2020. Federal authorities have indicated that the network primarily exploited Asian women for prostitution, leading to numerous arrests and guilty pleas among its leaders.

“I caused pain for the people I care about most. For that, I will be forever sorry,” Toner stated after his identification was made public. The hearings, focused on determining potential charges against the accused customers, revealed that investigators had gathered text message evidence linking Toner to the illicit services offered by the brothel.

According to Cambridge police reports, Toner engaged in a text exchange with the brothel’s hotline, eventually agreeing to pay $340 for one hour of sexual services with a woman identified by the stage name “Tulip.” His attorney, Timothy Flaherty, defended him, asserting, “He’s a hardworking city councilor, and the city of Cambridge is lucky to have him.”

The brothel network reportedly advertised services through various websites and required customer screening. Payment was strictly in cash, and fees ranged from $350 to $600 per hour. Authorities have described the operations as one of the most profitable brothel networks on the East Coast.

During the hearings earlier this week, several men were charge, highlighting the scale of the operation, which targeted affluent clientele including elected officials and business executives. The network’s ringleader, Han Lee, has received a four-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to multiple charges, including money laundering.

“Han Lee didn’t just recruit women to sell their bodies for sex — she built a criminal enterprise designed to thrive in the shadows,” stated Massachusetts U.S. Attorney Leah Foley following Lee’s sentencing.

The ongoing legal proceedings will determine whether charges will formally proceed against the other men implicated, many of whom have largely avoided public scrutiny until now. The next hearings are scheduled for next Friday in Cambridge District Court.

As the situation develops, Toner’s political future remains uncertain. He was re-elected to the Cambridge City Council in November 2023, and as of now, no public calls have been made for his resignation from fellow council members.