WORCESTER – A federal jury found a local husband and wife guilty of charges related to the sex trafficking of a younger relative.
Kierston Soto, 32, and Moises Soto, 32, both of Worcester, each received guilty verdicts on charges of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking and sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion. The jury also found Keirsten guilty of traveling or using interstate facilities to promote unlawful activities.
U.S. District Court Judge Margaret Guzman scheduled sentencing for Dec. 19.
According to federal prosecutors, the evidence presented at trial showed that between February and May 2022, the couple used a website to advertise services of the victim all over New England, and used force, fraud and coercion to traffic the victim for commercial sex in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut and Rhode Island.
Prosecutors say that Keirsten frequently threatened the victim with violence, abandonment, and commitment to a facility. Moises used physical violence, inlcuding beatings, assaults, and choking, if the victim failed to earn what they determined was enough money.
A video discovered on the one of the Soto’s phones showed the couple cornering the victim, threatening and berating her while she suffered from drug withdrawals.
- The charge of sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion provides for a sentence of at least 15 years and up to life in prison, at least five years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000 and mandatory restitution to the victim.
- The charge of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking provides for a sentence of up to life in prison, at least five years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, and mandatory restitution to the victim.
- The charge of traveling or using interstate facilities to promote unlawful activities, specifically prostitution, provides for a sentence of up to five years in prison, a maximum of three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000.
