Crime
State Police arrest 8 individuals during child sex trafficking and exploitation investigation
The Rhode Island State Police announce the arrest of eight individuals after an investigation into the alleged child sex trafficking and exploitation of a fourteen-year-old minor by the Special Victims Unit.
“Child trafficking can happen in plain sight, which is why public awareness is so important. We encourage everyone to trust their instincts — if something doesn’t seem right, say something,” said Major Kenneth Moriarty, Detective Commander Rhode Island State Police. A simple phone call could help protect a child from exploitation and give law enforcement the information needed to intervene. Keeping our communities safe is a shared responsibility, and we urge the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity.”
On Thursday, members of the Rhode Island State Police Special Victims Unit, along with members of the Major Crimes Unit, Violent Fugitive Task Force, Tactical Team, and Uniform Division executed search warrants and arrest warrants on Providence Street, West Warwick, Rhode Island and Manton Avenue, Providence, Rhode Island to further the investigation.
As a result of this ongoing investigation, the following arrests have been made:
Heather Bessette, age 36, of West Warwick, was arrested and arraigned in 6th Division District Court, and held without bail as a bail violator.
· Trafficking of a Minor – Sexual Servitude
· Conspiracy to Commit the Crime of Trafficking of a Minor – Sexual Servitude
· Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor
· Providing Schedule I/II to a Minor
· Felony Assault with a Dangerous Weapon
· Enticing a Minor to Leave Home
Kimberly Leo, age 22, of Providence, was arrested and arraigned in 6th Division District Court, and released on $20,000 with surety bail.
· Trafficking of a Minor – Sexual Servitude
· Conspiracy to Commit the Crime of Trafficking of a Minor – Sexual Servitude
· Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor
Victor Nogueras, age 35, of Providence, was arrested and arraigned in 6th Division District Court, and was held without bail as a probation violator.
· Third Degree Sexual Assault
Victoria Cesario, age 28, of Providence, was arrested and arraigned in 6th Division District Court, and given $10,000 with surety bail on the new charges.
· Third Degree Sexual Assault (2 Counts)
· Providence Superior Court Bench Warrant for Failure to Appear for Pre Arraignment Conference on the charge of Felony Assault originating out of the Cumberland Police Department
· Sixth District Court Bench Warrant for Failure to Appear for Arraignment on the charge of Possession of a Schedule I-V Substance, originating out of the Central Falls Police Department
· Providence Superior Court Bench Warrant for Failure to Appear for Pre Arraignment Conference on the charge of Possession of a Schedule I-V Substance, originating out of the Central Falls Police Department
Benjamin Brown, age 30, of West Warwick, was arrested and arraigned in 3rd Division District Court, and given $40,000 with surety bail.
· Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor
· Providing Schedule I/II to a Minor
Victor Nogueras Garcia, age 56, of Providence, was arrested and arraigned in 6th Division District Court, and released on $2,000.00 surety bail.
· Manufacturing / Delivery / Possession with Intent to Deliver (Marijuana 1-5 Kilogram)
Marissa Hanley, age 29, of Providence, was arrested and arraigned in 6th Division District Court, and released with $3,000 personal recognizance.
· Possession of Schedule I-V (Cocaine – Less than 10 Grams)
Brayeison Morel Rosario, age 19, of Providence, was arrested and arraigned in 6th Division District Court on the following warrant.
· Sixth District Court Bench Warrant for Failure to Appear for Pretrial Conference on the charge of Domestic Simple Assault, originating out of the Providence Police Department
The Rhode Island State Police are requesting anyone with information pertaining to the above investigation to contact the Special Victims unit, at 401-764-5716.
