Sex Trafficking Ring Busted in Rhode Island

A 24-year-old Massachusetts resident has been arrested and charged with sex trafficking a 15-year-old Rhode Island resident.

Andy Joseph, of Brockton, Mass., was ordered detained in federal custody on Thursday after being arrested by Homeland Security Investigations agents and Pawtucket Police.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Joseph allegedly met the 15-year-old in Rhode Island on June 15, 2016, and drove the minor to a hotel room in Seekonk, Mass. He then photographed the teenager and posted the images on Backpage.com, advertising the minor for commercial sexual activity.

It is alleged that Joseph arranged for multiple sexual encounters involving the 15-year-old between June 15 and August 13, 2016, and received most or all of the money from these encounters.

A criminal complaint is merely an allegation and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is entitled to a fair trial in which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Terrence P. Donnelly and John P. McAdams. The matter was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and Pawtucket Police.

Joseph is currently being held in federal custody pending a trial.

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