Crime
Men indicted in connection with human trafficking several victims in Eastern Massachusetts
BOSTON — Two men have been indicted in connection with trafficking victims for sex at various hotels and residences in Eastern Massachusetts, Attorney General Maura Healey announced today. Two other men have been charged in connection with purchasing sex for a fee.
On Thursday, a Statewide Grand Jury indicted Gabriel Jean Marie, age 35, of Brockton, and Tremaine Wilder, age 32, of Taunton, on charges of Trafficking Persons for Sexual Servitude (3 counts each) and Conspiracy (1 count each). Jean Marie and Wilder will be arraigned in Suffolk, Norfolk, and Plymouth Superior Courts at later dates.
A Statewide Grand Jury also indicted Patterson Skeete, age 56, of Jamaica Plain, and Michael Webster, age 37, of Randolph, for Sex for a Fee (1 count each). Skeete will be arraigned in Suffolk Superior Court at a later date and Webster will be arraigned in Norfolk Superior Court at a later date.
The investigation was conducted by members of the Boston Police Department’s Human Trafficking Unit, Massachusetts State Police High-Risk Victims’ Unit and the FBI’s Human Trafficking-Child Exploitation Task Force, with assistance from the Massachusetts State Police assigned to the AG’s Office.
During the course of the investigation, authorities developed evidence that Jean Marie allegedly recruited victims for commercial sex. Jean Marie and Wilder allegedly posted advertisements on websites known to advertise commercial sex, transported victims, paid for hotel rooms, and trafficked victims in places including Brockton, Westwood, and Boston. The full proceeds from the commercial sex went directly to Jean Marie.
The investigation revealed that both Skeete and Webster allegedly bought commercial sex, facilitated by Jean Marie and Wilder.