Kevin Smoot, Racketeering, Massachusetts 2021

Local Man Caught in Sex Trafficking Ring

Kevin Smoot, a 60-year-old Springfield man, was sentenced to time served and three years of supervised release for his involvement in a racketeering operation that promoted commercial sex.

According to court records, Smoot conspired with others to engage in commercial sex acts involving several women between February 2019 and June 2020. The operation involved transporting women to and from commercial sex appointments, recruiting and encouraging them to engage in sex acts for money, and providing a residential location for sex acts.

Smoot also helped procure illegal drugs for the women and collected money from customers. His actions benefited the operation, which was designed to exploit vulnerable women for financial gain.

The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex J. Grant, who recommended a sentence of one year in prison. However, U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni sentenced Smoot to time served plus three years of supervised release.

The investigation into Smoot's operation was a collaborative effort between multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Massachusetts State Police, the Springfield Police Department, and Homeland Security Investigations. The case highlights the ongoing struggle against sex trafficking and racketeering in our communities.

Smoot pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to use a facility of interstate commerce to promote prostitution offenses and seven counts of use of a facility of interstate commerce to promote prostitution offenses on April 12, 2021. His case serves as a reminder of the need for continued vigilance and cooperation in the fight against human trafficking.

The following officials made the announcement: Acting United States Attorney Nathaniel R. Mendell, Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey, Matthew B. Millhollin, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in Boston, Hampden County Sheriff Nicholas Cocchi, Colonel Christopher Mason, Superintendent of the Massachusetts State Police, and Springfield Police Commissioner Cheryl Clapprood.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ma/pr/springfield-man-sentenced-racketeering-offenses-relating-prostitution