Latest news with #HumanTraffickingUnit
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Yahoo
Boston police arrests 13 individuals in connection with sexual exploitation
The Boston Police Department has announced the arrests of thirteen suspects in an attempt to combat sexual exploitation against women. On Wednesday, June 4, 2025, members of the Human Trafficking Unit, the Internet Crimes Against Children Unit, the Massachusetts State Police Special Services Section – High Risk Victims Squad, and the FBI Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force conducted an operation in the area of the South Bay Mall, where undercover officers were used to identify suspects. The following individuals were arrested and charged with Sex for a Fee: Abshir Mohamed, 31, of Roxbury Jose Diaz Belen, 58, of Dorchester David Pingley, 61, of Boston Jose Lopez Rodriguez, 34, of Springfield, Vermont Guillermo Prudencio, 45, of Revere Bruce Weinstein, 68, of Dorchester Timothy Smith, 62, of Dorchester Sumanth Subbanna, 27, of Boston Nacius Magis, 29, of Boston Shawndee Josephs, 27, of Revere Yeison Arias Lara, 33, of Mattapan David Lora, 46, of Milton Jason Armengol, 32, of Jacksonville, Florida. He was also charged with Possession of Class B and had an active warrant for Violation of an Abuse Prevention Order. All suspects are expected to be arraigned in Roxbury District Court at an unspecified date. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Denton County Sheriff Busts Three In Prostitution Sting
The Denton County Sheriff nabbed three – including an alleged pedophile – in an anti-prostitution mission. Deputies conducted a 'Prostitution Demand Suppression Operation' in Denton on May 29, according to a release from the sheriff's office. They arrested John Kolby Holland for online solicitation of a minor, and Patrick Daniel Smith and Nicholas Matt for soliciting prostitution. Matt faced an additional charge of unlawful carrying of a weapon. 'This operation aimed to reduce prostitution in our community by arresting individuals attempting to purchase sexual favors for money,' reads the release from the sheriff's office. Holland's bond was $25,000, Smith's bond was $1,000, and Matt's bond was $1,000 for solicitation and $2,500 for the weapons charge, according to jail records. All three were booked on May 29 but were released as they posted bond the next day. During the investigation, deputies found 'leads on other persons engaging in Prostitution,' according to the release. The sheriff's Human Trafficking Unit is following up on these leads. Dallas saw a surge in sex trafficking and prostitution in 2024, as The Dallas Express previously reported. The city is also home to hundreds of 'escort sites,' illicit massage businesses, and brothels. Northwest Dallas – District 6 in particular – has historically been the site of many such criminal activities. Earlier this year, a 13-year-old was forced into prostitution off Harry Hines Blvd. These explicit activities have also spread beyond Dallas. Last year, the City of Plano sued the Red Rose Spa, alleging it was a front for 'illicit activities, criminal conduct, and lewd behavior,' as The Dallas Express reported at the time. The city claimed the business was 'advertising the sale of young girls, attracting deviant clientele, and placing the community in danger.' Just weeks earlier, another Plano massage parlor closed down after allegations it was offering prostitution.
CTV News
26-05-2025
- CTV News
Ottawa police announce 50 new charges against accused human trafficker
Anthony Badibanga-Mukendi, 27, is charged in connection with a human trafficking investigation. Ottawa police say he's gone by aliases such as Marty, Anton, Tony, Jay, Tighten Tones, and Tones. (Ottawa Police Service/handout) The Ottawa Police Service has announced more than 50 new charges against a man accused of human trafficking. Anthony Badibanga-Mukendi, 27, was arrested in March and charged with a list of offences, including trafficking in persons by exercising control, getting material benefit from sexual services, uttering threats, assault, forcible confinement, advertising another person's sexual services, publishing an intimate image, and withholding travel or identity documents. In a news release Monday, police say additional charges were laid as victims came forward. 'We commend the courage of victims who have come forward and contributed vital information to this investigation. Detectives from the Human Trafficking Unit believe that there may be more individuals who have yet to speak with police,' Ottawa police said. 'The Ottawa Police Service respects victims' decisions regarding whether to pursue criminal charges and can provide support resources regardless of their choice. We remain committed to ensuring a thorough and compassionate investigative process and to supporting all victims through. Reporting these incidents is crucial in helping investigators identify suspects and track crime trends.' Police say Badibanga-Mukendi used several aliases, including Marty, Anton, Tony, Jay, Tighten Tones, and Tones. He is believed to have travelled across Canada and has allegedly been involved in human trafficking for several years, according to police. Police also allege he has been involved in other crimes, including intimate partner violence. Anyone with information about this individual is urged to contact the Ottawa Police Service Human Trafficking Unit tip line at 613-236-1222 ext. 5625 or email mcm@ A list of supports for victims of human trafficking can be found on the Ottawa Police Service website.
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Yahoo
2 Memphians arrested in East TN human trafficking sting
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — A man and a woman from the Memphis area were among nine arrested during a human trafficking sting in East Tennessee over the weekend. Vincent Billingsley, 30, of Memphis, was charged with one count of promoting prostitution and one count of simple drug possession. Morgan Garrett, 38, of Cordova, is facing one count of promoting prostitution. The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation said special agents with TBI's Human Trafficking Unit, the Hendersonville Police Department, the Sumner County Sheriff's Office, members of the 18th Judicial Drug Task Force, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Office of 18th Judicial District Attorney General Ray Whitley were all involved in the undercover operation. The TBI said the operation was aimed at addressing human trafficking in the Hendersonville area and identifying individuals seeking to engage in commercial sex acts with minors. Neighbors advocate for change after 3 MS teachers face child pornography charges On April 11 and 12, officers placed several decoy advertisements on websites known to be associated with prostitution and sex trafficking. As a result, nine people were charged and booked into the Sumner County Jail. Among the other individuals arrested were the following: – Steven Cannon, 52, from Charlotte, charged with one count of promoting prostitution.- Jerry Delp, 68, from Westmoreland, charged with one count of patronizing prostitution.- James Jones, 40, from Gallatin, charged with one count of solicitation of a minor.- Trinity Knutson, 20, from Conway, Arkansas, charged with one count of prostitution.- Carlynn McIntosh, 28, from Goodlettsville, charged with one count of prostitution.- Druce Phillips, 21, from Nashville, charged with two counts of patronizing prostitution involving a minor.- Mahicol Rivas, 35, from Nashville, charged with one count of promoting prostitution. The TBI said they were also trying to identify potential victims of human trafficking and recovered two individuals. The victims were offered services through the human trafficking victim service organizations Thistle Farms and AncoraTN. Information about human trafficking and TBI's efforts to address this type of crime can be found online at Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
