Muriel Close, Sex Trafficking, Massachusetts 2021

BOSTON – In a shocking case of exploitation, Muriel Close, a 42-year-old woman from Massachusetts, was sentenced to 12 months of home detention for her involvement in a sex trafficking conspiracy.

CLOSE was charged in July 2020 with co-defendant and serial sex trafficker Bruce Brown. On February 10, 2022, Brown was sentenced to 138 months in prison on charges arising from his exploitation of multiple victims in operating a sex trafficking enterprise for more than 15 years.

According to the investigation, Close aided Brown’s sex trafficking operation through recruitment efforts and by monitoring victims on behalf of Brown.

“As a prosecutor, some of the most difficult cases are those in which harmed and victimized individuals inflict trauma and harm on others,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “Ms. Close was herself a victim of brutal physical and psychological abuse at the hands of her co-defendant, Bruce Brown. However, her recruitment and involvement with other victims in Mr. Brown’s enterprise caused others to experience the same force, fraud and coercion she did.

“While Muriel Close conspired with Bruce Brown to commit sex trafficking, it’s important to remember that she too is a victim who suffered physical and psychological abuse at his hands. Today’s sentence reflects that, and while nothing can wipe away the trauma inflicted upon the victims in this case, we hope it helps them heal,” said Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division.

Close pleaded guilty to two counts of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking in April 2021. The Newton Police Department provided valuable assistance in the investigation.

U.S. Attorney Rollins and FBI SAC Bonavolonta made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mackenzie A. Queenin and Mackenzie J. Duane of Rollins’ Civil Rights Enforcement Team prosecuted the case.

If you believe that you or someone you know may be a victim of human trafficking, please contact the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733.

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