RentBoy.com who presents an annual event in Las Vegas known as HustlaBall Vegas is in serious trouble.

Abc7NY has reported that Homeland Security and NYPD have carried out a major prostitution sting targeting a website in Manhattan Tuesday morning, raiding the company headquarters and arresting seven people accused of selling sex and laundering money. The website which is already non-operational will soon have a "SEIZED" banner on the website according to authorities.

The CEO of Rentboy.com, Jeffrey Hurant, and six other employees were taken into custody at their homes in New York City, bank accounts and millions of dollars have been seized.

The company, which billed itself as the "world's largest male escort service", is located in Manhattan on West 14th Street, off Fifth Avenue, with no RentBoy.com signage. Boxes of documents and computers have also been seized.

Authorities confirmed the site operated as a male prostitution ring. The complaint said that Rentboy.com, founded in 1997, hosted thousands of paid advertisers. Despite disclaimers that the ads were not for sexual services, Rentboy.com is designed for advertising illegal prostitution, the complaint said.

Men would pay a fee and post their information on site, and those interested would go directly to the site and contact the poster. The site charges advertisers a minimum monthly fee of $59.95 and up to several hundred dollars to advertise. The complaint said that between 2010 and 2015, Rentboy.com grossed more than $10 million.

"As alleged, Rentboy.com attempted to present a veneer of legality, when in fact this internet brothel made millions of dollars from the promotion of illegal prostitution," said acting U.S. Attorney Kelly Currie.

At this time it is unclear if authorities will be going after individual escorts themselves but the information is now in the hands of the federal government.

“Oh, Jesus.”  

Zachary Quinto is aptly responding to the fact that, yes, despite establishing himself as an Emmy-nominated actor with versatility, out-of-this-world talent and some of the best eyebrows in the biz, he once starred on an episode of Touched by An Angel.

He isn’t reacting to being on the show, per se – he just can’t believe it’s been nearly 15 years.

Since then, Quinto has made major shifts beyond his transformation to leading man. After matter-of-factly coming out to the masses in 2011, he became an outspoken advocate for the LGBT community and has notably taken on subjects such as PReP and gay teen suicide.

The 38-year-old’s sexuality is a non-issue when it comes to his meandering career on TV, in film and on Broadway, as his varied typecast-defying roles demonstrate: Sylar on NBC’s Heroes, Quinto’s breakout role; the infamous American Horror Story killer Bloody Face; James Franco’s lover in I Am Michael; and, of course, Spock, the Star Trek icon he brought back to the big screen, ears and all. (He’s currently shooting Star Trek Beyond, the reboot franchise’s third installment.)

Quinto’s latest big-screen endeavor is the video game-inspired Hitman: Agent 47, wherein he dials up the badassery as a CIA agent you definitely do not want to cross. A major studio-produced action movie featuring… an out gay actor? You better believe it.

As he swings open the door on a traditionally gay-less genre by breaking down Hollywood stereotypes, Quinto spoke to us about recognizing his unique place as the go-to gay when it comes to action flicks and how he “definitely” thinks the world is ready for a gay James Bond. Plus, why he believes, despite the recent Supreme Court ruling on marriage, our fight for equality is far from over.

Hitman centers on an assassin who’s genetically engineered as the perfect killing machine. If you could be engineered to do anything you wanted, what would that be?

If I could just travel anywhere at any time and somehow my genetic modification allowed me to transport somewhere, I imagine that would be a pretty useful genetic modification that I would get a lot of pleasure out of. No jet lag!

Heroes, American Horror Story, Hitman: You like being bad, don’t you?

Well, it’s just sort of the way it falls out sometimes. It was never something I set out to accomplish specifically, but I think Heroes set a certain tone, and that was the first time that people on a wider platform became aware of my work. Because of that association, other opportunities in that vein have presented themselves.

I’m playing an antagonist again in this film. I think, for me, I really consider it a really nice bookend actually, because I’m very interested in cultivating other experiences for myself creatively, so I feel maybe like I can actively hang up the villain hat for a little while and do some other stuff. I really am open to things as they present themselves. It’s a balance, you know? Making decisions every time an opportunity arises – I’m grateful and fortunate to be in a position to be able to do that.

You were bullied as a kid, so I find it interesting that you take on all these villain roles. Do you draw upon those experiences when acting as the bad guy?

I’ve never drawn on those experiences creatively in that way. It’s a lot about imagination. When you’re in a world like this, which is stylized and heightened and has a sleekness to it, then it becomes about filling that world with the character that you’re playing and, for me, that’s all about rooting it in the imaginary circumstances – one definition of acting is truthful behavior in imaginary circumstances. So, for me, it’s a lot about connecting to that and connecting to the people that I’m playing and that’s a different process depending on what the style and the tone of the piece is. This one was so driven by physicality and by actual conflict and combat, and that kind of drove the character a little bit. I didn’t really have to dive back into my uncomfortable moments of childhood to connect with that necessarily.

How strategic have you been with the projects you’ve chosen in order to avoid the typecasting some LGBT actors have said they’ve experienced?

I played gay characters, but I was never part of a gay-themed story until I did I Am Michael last year with James Franco. That was a specific decision; I felt really drawn to the story (of an ex-gay) and the nature of the story. My whole take on the potential perceived limitations is just to not engage them and not allow them to exist – to me that is a choice. I know what I am capable of and I know what my range is, and I know that’s not limited by or even affected by my sexual orientation. So, for me, it was just a matter of doing what I do and opening myself up to the roles that present themselves, whether they’re gay or straight, with a kind of creative integrity. That’s all I really feel is in my control and that’s the place I work from in terms of both pursuing work and engaging work.

Do you think today – in 2015, post marriage equality – typecasting on the basis of an actor’s sexuality even exists at this point?

I don’t know. I mean, I don’t think it has anything to do with marriage equality – that victory has been won and has been a really profound advancement to the LGBT community. I think our real fights for equality aren’t legal; it’s about humanity and compassion and inclusion.

Even in the wake of marriage equality you’re seeing all these county clerks who are refusing to issue marriage licenses, which is despicable and illegal. Just a few blocks from my house, these two guys – the first gay couple to be married out of West Point – were harassed in the bodega (in SoHo). It’s not behind us. The movement toward equality is bigger than just one legal issue, and that’s amazing that the highest law of the land has supported our struggle for civil rights, but civil rights is only one aspect of being a minority of any kind. It’s much more about human connection and respect in the long run and in a very broader sense, and I think that’s the fight that continues.

Seeing as though I Am Michael is your first gay-themed film, would you have taken on that movie earlier in your career before you became such an established actor?

It was a different time. I don’t know if that movie would’ve been made. It’s hard to say. I mean, it came to me at the right time and it was the right thing for me to choose in that moment, but I don’t know the answer to that question.

What was the process of developing your onscreen chemistry with James Franco for I Am Michael?

For me it was just about relating to the guy. Franco has so much attention and he’s sort of this ubiquitous figure. A lot of people have opinions of him and a perspective on who he might be. For me it was just about cutting through all of that and getting to know him. I really enjoyed our time together and I respect what he was doing by putting that movie together and wanting to tell that story, so I was happy to be a part of it. I’m sure that kind of set the connection that we had in our work together.

There is definitely a sense of intrigue regarding Franco’s persona.

Yeah, and that seems like that’s his public persona, that’s his relationship with the public.

There’s no clarity, really, as an actor, as a writer, as a director, as an artist; I think he’s just trying to do as much as he can and put as much out there as he can, and I respect that. He’s a really hard working, ambitious guy and I thought that his energy behind this movie was interesting and part of what compelled me to do it.

With the exception of yourself, there are not any big-name out gay actors getting lead roles in action movies. Not Matt Bomer, not Andrew Rannells, not Neil Patrick Harris. Why do you think there aren’t any major LGBT actors besides you getting top billing in major Hollywood action films? I mean, why can’t we have a gay James Bond?

I mean, we can, right?

I’d like to think so.

Sure. I definitely think that we can. Matt Bomer is one of my favorite friends. I’ve known him for 15 years – longer.  I know Andrew. These are friends of mine. The fact that so many of my friends who are openly gay have flourishing, thriving careers is really exciting. That in and of itself is progress if you consider that 15 years ago, when I started acting professionally out of college, you couldn’t even count on both of your hands the number of openly gay actors in any form, television or film. It was a totally different issue 15 years ago, and that’s not a very long amount of time to have made such progress.

So, I do not disagree with you; I do feel like I occupy – not in any self-aggrandizing way – a space where I have looked to my peers and looked around me and said, “Well, who else can I look to?” And there isn’t anybody else. That to me is significant and personally gratifying as I consider my own journey to self-acceptance, but again, I just think, “Don’t let it slow me down.” And I don’t. I don’t create an issue where there isn’t one, and I think the more that we’re all able to do that then the more diversity will present itself.

What do you think of the LGBT community’s evolution since your coming out in 2011?

Look at the transgender movement: of course Laverne (Cox), and before Laverne, Candis Cayne, who was amazing on Dirty Sexy Money. And now with the emergence of Caitlyn Jenner, everything is changing. We’re rapidly evolving as a society, and I think there’s a lot of celebration in that. I think there’s a lot to be grateful for. The more that people from diverse backgrounds can stand up with integrity and integrate who they are in an authentic way to their creative process then everybody benefits and we all move forward together as a result. So I see myself as one of many, many people who have had their own journey that has defined them and contributed to the larger goals of advancement and equality, and that’s something that I’m proud of.

But we can’t stop, and so I do invite any gay actor to be who they are and to stand up and fight for their capacity to play different roles and to do different things. The more people can do that and stand by it, the more we’ll see it continue as we already have.

In 2010, before you came out, you told The New York Times, “Let’s talk about something that matters.” Do you think celebrities do enough to speak out about and act on issues that can make positive change?

Yeah – think about Leonardo DiCaprio’s commitment to the environment. Think about Amy Poehler’s commitment to the Worldwide Orphans Foundation. Think about Angelina Jolie’s work that she did in Cambodia to completely transform the landscape of that country. I do think there are socially responsible and conscientious members of the Hollywood community who stand up and fight for things they believe in. I think it’s important if you’re in a position to have a public platform that you at least, in some way, utilize it for the betterment of other people and the benefit of those who are less fo

What a summer it’s been so far for our community. Equal marriage became the law of the land and here in Nevada we’ve seen our trans brothers and sisters demanding more and, in fact, making gains. All the while, Gay Vegas has been here to shout that news from the rooftops. In this issue, we’ve turned our focus to LGBT representation in politics, as well as to the allies who support us throughout our battles. 

Speaking of allies, have you seen our cover girl?! Not only is Hilary Duff a stunner, she has a heart that’s just as beautiful. She talks all about her comeback and history in showbiz, as well as her excitement over the legalization of same-sex marriage and how cool she would be if her son ever came out to her. Now that’s what I call support! 

As for exclusive interviews, we have a double whammy this month – we’re thrilled to highlight two members of our local LGBT community who have turned to politics to make a difference. The Clark County Republican Party recently chose Ed Williams as their chairman, making him the first openly gay person to hold the position. On the other side of the coin is Chris Miller, who the Clark County Democratic Party has just re-elected for his third term as chairman. Well wouldn’t you know it, Miller is the first openly gay person to hold this position as well. Two gay men holding positions of influence within the nation’s two biggest parties – let the claims of a “gay agenda” begin! No, I jest. In actuality, these two individuals are dedicated to change, and we feel honored to have interviewed them both. 

I imagine this latest issue of Gay Vegas will bring out the political junkie in you and no, that doesn’t clash with your love of celebrity features! It didn’t for us, so I know you’ll get as much of a kick out of our August issue as we did. 

Ed Williams is breaking ground as the first openly gay chairman appointed to the Clark County Republican Party. Having sold his successful business, this 43-year-old tech expert is dedicating himself full-time to his new role with the party, and you can bet he plans to make a difference. Williams spoke with Gay Vegas shortly after the news hit, and we got to know the man and his motivations. 

So Ed, tell us a little bit about who you are. 

Well I was born in Germany, son of an air force family. I was born into the air force and went all around the world with my family – stationed a lot in the southwest. I went to CSU Sacramento and got into computers – did computer science there. And Sacramento’s really been my home base for a long time since then. I moved to Las Vegas about four years ago. I was looking for some new scenery, as it were. California was getting a bit oppressive for me as a businessman so I was looking for some new opportunities. I found that Las Vegas was a perfect match for me. A lot of my family lives in Irvine, and there’s a great airport here and I travel a lot. And, of course, moving to Nevada gives a guy an instant 20 percent raise. So all around, I’m very happy with Nevada, and very pleased with making this my new home. 

Did you have a job lined up in Las Vegas when you moved here? 

I’m a business owner, so I own different companies. The latest company I owned was called American Web, and I just recently sold that actually. So at this point in time I’m effectively retired, but I’m a little too young to not be doing things with my life. Right now 

I’m choosing to give back to my country by serving in politics.

How did you first get into politics?

When I was running my Internet companies back in California we did lots of work for political campaigns, non-profits, membership organizations, and things like that. So that was really my first introduction into how we govern ourselves and what sort of interests groups there are that impact that, and so as I worked more and more with these organizations on communications, marketing, and technology, I got more and more familiar with that. I did some work with some political campaigns, and then worked my way through that. Probably the peak of my involvement was I was the IT Director for the 2004 Republican convention in New York. 

How did that come about?

That came about because California has the largest delegation to the convention – it has the most number of delegates. A lot of the duties fell to California, so that was really my entry into it. It was actually really fun. It was the first convention after 9/11 and it was happening in New York so there was a lot of encryption and a lot of security and all those sorts of things going on because everybody wanted to make sure that the experience went well and that everybody was safe. That was very exciting.

Now you’re the first openly gay person to chair the Clark County Republicans. Can you tell us a bit about this?

It’s just part of my value system. I believe very strongly in our rights as Americans not to have our lives unnecessarily interfered with by the government. And that includes my family, my religious beliefs, my relationships – and so when it comes to what would be considered gay issues, I tend to side on keeping the government out of that. That’s really where my beliefs as a Republican come in. Some might characterize that as somewhat Libertarian, and that might be the case, but I – I’m really uncomfortable with the concept of the government dictating my actions or my words or who I can associate with in the name of political correctness. That bothers me. That’s really where my personal and my political beliefs kind of come together. 

When did you come out in your political life? Did you pick and choose whom you wanted to come out to? 

In my life I generally pick and choose because I do feel it’s a personal thing for me. I’m somewhat of a private person. That’s just been a natural thing for me. So yeah, I’ve been selective of whom I reveal parts of my life to. It’s nice for people to get to know you before making a judgment call based on your sexual orientation, because unfortunately that does happen. And as you get older you get more tools for communicating with people, more practice at it, and so it’s become easier for me to engage in those conversations with people in a way that’s productive. The last few years actually I’ve been really surprised at the number of people I’ve talked to that don’t necessarily agree with all of my views, and yet they’re still willing to engage in a conversation and understand where I come from, and I can understand where they come from. Having that level of conversation with people takes some practice, but I’m at that point now where it comes much easier.

What do you think you being chairman says about your political party? Is it a sign of the times? Well it’s certainly not the first step by any means. If we go back a little bit, in 2014 both the Clark County Republican Party and the Nevada State Republican Party removed social issues from their platforms. They removed both traditional marriage and abortion from their platforms. So I think the change was well underway a couple of years ago. And there have been other openly gay people in our party that have had positions of leadership in varying sorts. We’ve had a Log Cabin Republicans chapter here in Nevada for many, many years. They were very active back in the ‘90s working to repeal Nevada sodomy law. So it certainly wasn’t an overnight thing, but I think it’s a positive development that people are willing to overlook personal issues to focus on things that are really important for our country.

The question of how you can be gay and be Republican, how do you respond to that?

My answer is conservative values protect my rights as well as yours. In order for me to have free speech, you have to have free speech too, and that sometimes means that we might not be comfortable with each other’s free speech. But the alternative is political correctness and censorship, and that’s no way to be an American. I had a choice to make, I suppose, in a sense. And it just made more sense to me to work at keeping the Republicans out of my bedroom more than I had a chance of keeping the Democrats out of my wallet. To me, ironically, the Republican Party has always been a party of choice because it’s actually represented a diversity of views.

Taking a step back now, when did you first come out of the closet? 

I came out to my mother when I was 14, and then kind of progressively throughout life, becoming more and more comfortable in my own skin. And then as our society has evolved and made it easier to be a full participant in society, that’s been most welcome. 

Are you a man of faith? 

Yes, yes I am. My background is Catholic. I was raised as a child as a Catholic, and my beliefs in high school changed over to something more non-denominational Christian, and I’ve kind of been in that space for a long time. 

Did you come out to both your parents at 14?

My dad was a little later.

And how did he take it? 

He’s a very levelheaded guy. I didn’t really sense any judgment from him. I think most of the feelings that I had were worries in my own mind about how things would be taken, because he’s a military man. But in reality he loves me, so that’s what came through.

And here you are making your parents proud. 

Oh yeah. Absolutely. I’ve had a very blessed life. In every way possible. I have had the absolute thrill ride of running Internet companies in the middle of the dot-com boom. I’ve seen the success that hard work brings. 

You don’t get any luckier. I’ve had the blessings of prosperity that our country brings, and the freedom to be myself. I have nothing to complain about. I’m a lucky guy.