BOSTON — A local Social Security Administration employee was arrested on charges of attempting to persuade a beneficiary to travel across state lines for prostitution, federal authorities said Tuesday.
Dae Sung Kim, 35, of Auburn, faces a count of attempting to induce a person to travel in interstate commerce to engage in prostitution, according to a criminal complaint. The charge carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison, 3 years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine.
The case began in March, when Kim, working at the Gardner Social Security field office, allegedly redirected a woman applying for Social Security benefits to another office in her home state. Using her phone number obtained from Social Security records, Kim called her, suggesting they could "work something out" to benefit both, according to investigators.
In a later monitored call, Kim allegedly offered the woman money in exchange for sex. He also sent multiple text messages proposing that she travel to Massachusetts for a meeting, offering $100 for a sexual encounter in a hotel parking lot. Authorities said Kim was arrested when he arrived at the planned meeting spot.
Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy and Amy Connelly, Special Agent in Charge of the S.S.A.’s Office of Inspector General, announced the arrest. Homeland Security Investigations and local police departments aided in the investigation.
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