Swansea, Somerset, Massachusetts State Police arrest and charge three people in human trafficking operation for minors

SWANSEA — Chief Mark Foley reports that the Swansea Police Department, in collaboration with local and State Police detectives, arrested three people as part of a joint human trafficking operation.

19-year-old David J. Afriyie of Pawtucket, RI; 38-year-old Joseph Wood of Hanson; and 39-year-old Manuel R. Costa of Westport, were arrested and charged with Enticing a Child Under the Age of 16, Sexual Conduct for a Fee with a Child Under the Age of 18, and Attempt to Commit a Crime (Rape of a Child Under the Age of 16).

On Tuesday, the Swansea Police Department Detectives Division, in collaboration with the Massachusetts State Police High Risk Victims Unit and Somerset Police Department Detectives Division, conducted a joint operation designed to target individuals seeking to engage in commercial sexual relations with minors.

During the operation, an undercover officer posed as someone under the age of 16. Individuals later determined to be Afriyie, Wood, and Costa went to a designated place in Swansea with the belief they would be meeting the minor and engaging in sexual relations.

Bail was set for all three individuals at $5,000, pending arraignment. Costa posted bail and was released. Afriyie and Wood were held overnight at the Bristol County House of Correction in New Bedford.

All three are scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday in Fall River District Court.

Chief Foley thanked all the officers and agencies involved in this operation.

“This was a great example of state and local law enforcement working together to protect our most vulnerable population,” Chief Foley said. “As a team, we were able to tackle a very serious issue that, unfortunately, no community is immune from. We will do everything in our power to protect the children in our communities.”