Andy Joseph, Sex Trafficking, Rhode Island 2016

Rhode Island Teenager Victimized by Sex Trafficker, Police Say

PROVIDENCE, R.I. – In a shocking case of exploitation, a Massachusetts man has been charged with sex trafficking a 15-year-old girl from Rhode Island. Andy Joseph, 24, of Brockton, Mass., was ordered detained in federal custody in Rhode Island today on allegations that he sex trafficked the teenager over a two-month period this past summer.

The victim, a 15-year-old Rhode Island resident, met Joseph through an internet website. He then transported the minor to a hotel room in Seekonk, Mass., where he photographed her and posted the images on Backpage.com, advertising her for commercial sexual activity. It is alleged that Joseph arranged for multiple sexual encounters involving the 15-year-old and collected most of the money from each encounter, insisting that she hand it over to him.

The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Pawtucket Police. “This is a disturbing case of a minor being exploited for financial gain,” said Pawtucket Police Chief Paul King. “We are committed to protecting our children and holding those responsible accountable.”

United States Attorney Peter F. Neronha; Matthew J. Etre, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations for New England; and Chief King announced the arrest and detention of Andy Joseph on a federal criminal complaint charging him with sex trafficking of a child. The complaint alleges that between June 15 and August 13, 2016, Joseph arranged for multiple commercial sexual encounters involving the 15-year-old, with most or all of the money turned over to him after each encounter.

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 has sent shockwaves through the community, with many expressing outrage and concern for the safety of local children. “This is a wake-up call for all of us to be vigilant and protect our children from predators like Joseph,” said a local resident. “We must do more to prevent these types of crimes from happening in the future.”

The case is a sobering reminder of the importance of reporting suspicious activity and the need for continued vigilance in protecting our children from exploitation. If you or someone you know has been a victim of sex trafficking, please contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text ‘HELP’ to 233733.

Related Federal Cases