Massachusetts men sentenced as part of human trafficking ring
CONCORD, NH – Four Boston men are to be sentenced in U.S. District Court in Concord for their involvement in the trafficking of a minor for prostitution. On Thursday, three men were sentenced for their part in the trafficking ring with a fourth member facing sentencing next week.
The sentencing resulted from a joint investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Manchester Office with the cooperation and assistance of Salem New Hampshire Police Department, Manchester Police Department, Boston Police Department, as well as the New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (NH ICAC).
Hansel German, 25, of Boston and Andy Pena, 21, of Jamaica Plains, Massachusetts, were sentenced to eight years for aiding and abetting the transportation of a minor in interstate commerce for prostitution, and one count of possessing heroin with the intent to distribute.
Enoc Ayuso, 26, of Dorchester, Massachusetts, was also sentenced to five years in federal prison for his role in the trafficking conspiracy.
Rafael Reyes, 22, of Boston, has pleaded guilty to his involvement and will be sentenced next week in United States District Court.
According to court records, the sentencings stem from a February 2014 investigation in which, HSI Manchester special agents along with officers from Salem, Manchester, and Boston Police Department rescued a fifteen-year-old girl who was engaging in prostitution from a Salem hotel room. Upon further investigation, authorities identified multiple individuals who were involved in the scheme to transport the girl from Boston to Salem for prostitution.
“I would like to commend the outstanding work of our men and women in our Manchester office, and our numerous law enforcement partners” said Special Agent in Charge Matt Etre of HSI New England. “HSI investigates a wide array of crimes, but the trafficking of women and girls against their will for prostitution is among the most sinister. HSI, along with our partners across New Hampshire, will continue to aggressively investigate cases such as these to identify and rescue its innocent victims. ”
“One of the highest priorities of the Department of Justice is protecting our children from predators,” said United States Attorney Rice. “Today, we are announcing the results arising out of our prosecution of four individuals who were engaged in a particularly heinous form of child exploitation – human trafficking. It is only through the collaborative work of law enforcement at the federal, state and local levels and the bravery of a minor child to come forward and tell her story that this case was successfully prosecuted.”
HSI encourages the public to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity through its toll-free Tip Line at 1-866-DHS-2-ICE or by completing its online tip form. Both are staffed around the clock by investigators. From outside the U.S. and Canada, callers should dial 802-872-6199. Hearing impaired users can call TTY 802-872-6196.
ICE recognizes that severe consequences of human trafficking continue even after the perpetrators have been arrested and held accountable. ICE’s Victim Assistance Program helps coordinate services to help human trafficking victims, such as crisis intervention, counseling and emotional support.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Nick Abramson and Helen Fitzgibbon.
Updated: