Fugitive wanted in Fall River sex trafficking ring captured at TF Green

The Massachusetts State Police and the Fall River Police Department announce the arrest of a fugitive wanted in connection with the sex trafficking of a child.

According to Dave Procopio of Massachusetts State Police, he MSP Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section (MSP VFAS) and the Rhode Island Violent Fugitive Task Force on Sunday arrested 57-year-old Thomas Almeida on a warrant charging him in connection with the sex trafficking of a child. The arrest was the result of information developed by the Fall River Police Major Crimes Unit. Almeida, who fled Massachusetts in 2018 before he could be apprehended, and was possibly in Florida, was the last defendant in the case who had not been arrested.

An investigation by Fall River Police in 2018 led to the issuance of the arrest warrant charging Almeida with the offense of sexual conduct with a child under 18. Two defendants who trafficked the juvenile were previously convicted following prosecution by the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office and were sentenced to long state prison terms. The victim in the case, a juvenile, was held against her will, drugged, and forced to engage in sexual acts.

On August 6, 2023, the Fall River Police Major Crimes Unit developed information that Almeida may be back in the area and contacted MSP VFAS for assistance in locating him. Investigators developed information that Almeida was at TF Green International Airport awaiting a return flight to Florida. MSP VFAS and the RI VFTF located Almeida at the Jet Blue Terminal at approximately 1:30 p.m. and took him into custody without incident.

Almeida was held in Rhode Island as a fugitive from justice. He will be prosecuted by the Bristol District Attorney’s Office, which will coordinate his return to Massachusetts to face trial. Additional charges may be added against Almeida.