Rhode Island, Massachusetts men arrested in World Cup human trafficking sting: Operation “Red Card”

The Rhode Island State Police today announced six arrests as part of an ongoing effort to combat human trafficking and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals during the FIFA World Cup. The arrests resulted from a multi-agency human trafficking enforcement operation conducted in coordination with the Rhode Island State Police, Massachusetts State Police, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, Rhode Island Attorney General’s Office, and United States Attorney’s Office.

The operation targeted individuals seeking to engage in commercial sex acts, child exploitation, and other activities associated with human trafficking.

Participating agencies emphasized that while major international sporting events bring significant economic and cultural benefits to host communities, they may also create opportunities for traffickers and those who exploit vulnerable populations. Law enforcement agencies throughout the region remain committed to proactive enforcement efforts designed to deter human trafficking, identify victims, and hold offenders accountable.

As a result of this ongoing investigation, the following arrests have been made:

Richard Lallier, age 34, of Rehoboth, Massachusetts

Lallier was criminally arraigned in US District Court on Thursday, June 18, 2026, and held without bail pending future court proceedings. He was charged with the following:

·     Attempted Enticement (18 U.S.C. § 2422(b))

·     Attempted Interstate Travel for Sexual Contact with a Minor Under 16 YO (18 U.S.C. § 2423(b))

·     Attempted Transmission of Obscene Material to a Minor (18 U.S.C. § 1470)

Joshua Lincoln, age 27, of North Providence, Rhode Island

Lincoln was arraigned by a Justice of the Peace at the Lincoln Woods Barracks on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, and released on personal recognizance. He was charged with the following:

·     Indecent Solicitation of a Minor (RIGL 11-9-1.5)

·     Electronically Disseminating Indecent Material to a Minor Prohibited (RIGL 11-34-1)

Jacob Palazzo, age 26, of Cranston, Rhode Island

Palazzo was arraigned by a Justice of the Peace at the Lincoln Woods Barracks on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, and released on personal recognizance. He was charged with the following:

·     Indecent Solicitation of a Minor (RIGL 11-9-1.5)

Franco Miccoli, age 60, of Johnston, Rhode Island

Miccoli was arraigned by a Justice of the Peace at the Lincoln Woods Barracks on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, and released on personal recognizance. He was charged with the following:

·     Procurement of Sexual Conduct for a Fee (RIGL 11-34.1-3)

Travis Shaw, age 38, of Tiverton, Rhode Island

Shaw was arrested by the Special Victims Unit and Tiverton Police Department on an affidavit and arrest warrant issued as a result of the operation, arraigned by a Justice of the Peace at the Lincoln Woods Barracks on Wednesday, June 22, 2026, and released on personal recognizance. He was charged with the following:

·     Electronically Disseminating Indecent Material to a Minor Prohibited (RIGL 11-34-1)

Rocky Joseph, age 38, of Central Falls, Rhode Island

Joseph was arrested by the Special Victims Unit and members of the Federal Bureau of Investigation on an affidavit and arrest warrant issued as a result of the operation, arraigned by a Justice of the Peace at the Lincoln Woods Barracks on Wednesday, June 22, 2026, and released on personal recognizance. He was charged with the following:

·     Electronically Disseminating Indecent Material to a Minor Prohibited (RIGL 11-34-1)

The Rhode Island State Police and its partner agencies encourage members of the public to remain vigilant, and report suspected human trafficking activity. Human trafficking often occurs in plain sight and may involve individuals who appear to be controlled, coerced, or unable to speak freely on their own behalf. Anyone who suspects human trafficking is encouraged to contact law enforcement directly or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. Tips may be submitted to the Hotline confidentially, and assistance is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.