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Worcester couple guilty of sex trafficking young relative

  • Posted by Worcester News Wed at 12:08 PM - Filed in News - #Worcester  #crime  #trafficking  #U.S. Attorney  - 3,076 views


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    WORCESTER — A Worcester husband and wife were convicted Monday of sex trafficking a young relative across New England after a 6-day jury trial in federal court, prosecutors said.

    Kiersten Soto, 32, and Moises Soto, 33, were each found guilty of a count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking and a count of sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion, according to the U.S. attorney’s office in Massachusetts. Kiersten Soto was also convicted of traveling or using interstate facilities to promote unlawful activities.

    U.S. District Court Judge Margaret R. Guzman scheduled sentencing for December 19th. Each trafficking charge carries a potential sentence of up to life in prison, at least 5 years of supervised release, fines of up to $250,000, and mandatory restitution.

    Evidence presented at trial showed that from February through May 2022, the Sotos used violence, threats and coercion to traffic the victim for commercial sex in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut and Rhode Island. Prosecutors said the couple advertised the victim on a website and forced her into sex work while she endured drug withdrawals.

    According to prosecutors, Kiersten Soto repeatedly threatened the victim with abandonment, violence and involuntary commitment. Moises Soto assaulted the victim with wooden dowel rods, choked her and beat her if she did not earn enough money. Cell phone videos recovered by investigators showed the couple cornering, berating and threatening the victim.

    “Kiersten and Moises Soto built their so-called livelihood off of brutality and control,” U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley said in a statement. “Today’s convictions send the unmistakable message that this office will relentlessly pursue those who traffic in human suffering.”

    Homeland Security Investigations led the probe with help from Massachusetts State Police, Worcester Police and Marlborough Police.

    The couple were arrested and indicted in December 2022.

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