Massachusetts couple accused of trafficking victim in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut and Rhode Island

BOSTON – A Massachusetts husband and wife have been arrested in connection on sex trafficking charges.

According to the Massachusetts Department of Justice, Kiersten Soto, 29, and Moises Soto, 30, of Worcester were indicted on one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, one count of sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion and one count of traveling or using interstate facilities to promote unlawful activities. The defendants were arrested and, following an initial appearance in federal court in Boston before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Donald L. Cabell, were detained.

According to the indictment, from February through May 2022, the Sotos used force, fraud and coercion to traffic a victim for commercial sex in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut and Rhode Island. Additionally, Kiersten Soto was charged with traveling and using interstate facilities to promote unlawful activities, specifically prostitution, in violation of the Travel Act.

The charges of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking and sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion each provide for a sentence of at least 15 years and up to life in prison, at least three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of traveling or using interstate facilities to promote unlawful activities, specifically prostitution, provides for a sentence oof up to five years in prison, at least three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and statutes which govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.

United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins and Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of the Homeland Security Investigations in New England made the announcement. Special assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Marlboro and Worcester Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephen W. Hassink and Leah B. Foley of Rollins’ Criminal Division are prosecuting the case.