Mohamed H. Abdi, Sex Trafficking, Connecticut 2017

Worcester Man Pleads Guilty to Federal Sex Trafficking Offense

In a shocking case of human exploitation, Mohamed H. Abdi, also known as “Vic,” 25, of Worcester, Massachusetts, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion. This heinous crime took place in the state of Connecticut.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between late December 2016 and January 5, 2017, Abdi and his girlfriend used threats of force and coercion to cause a female victim to engage in prostitution. They advertised the victim’s prostitution services on Backpage.com and other websites, rented Connecticut hotel rooms where the victim engaged in prostitution, and transported the victim to engage in sexual acts with customers at the hotels and private residences in Connecticut and elsewhere.

Abdi provided the victim with heroin, but withheld the drug from the victim until after she provided sexual services to additional customers. The pair also made threats against the victim and her child if the victim reported them to law enforcement.

Abdi has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on January 5, 2017. He now faces a maximum term of imprisonment of life, with sentencing scheduled for June 27, 2018.

This matter is being investigated by the Connecticut Human Trafficking Task Force, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Connecticut State Police, with the assistance of the Wethersfield Police Department and the Worcester Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Anastasia E. King.

U.S. Attorney Durham thanked the State’s Attorney for the Judicial District of Tolland and the Worcester County District Attorney’s Office for their cooperation and assistance in the prosecution of this matter.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ct/pr/worcester-man-pleads-guilty-federal-sex-trafficking-offense