MA Couple Convicted Of Sex Trafficking

WORCESTER, MA — A husband and wife from Worcester were convicted of sex trafficking on Monday.

Kiersten Soto, 32, and Moises Soto, 33, used force, fraud and coercion to traffic a victim for commercial sex in four states, including Massachusetts, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office.

The USAO reported that Kiersten regularly threatened the victim with violence, abandonment and involuntary commitment to a facility, while Moises used extreme physical violence, including beatings, assaults and choking if the victim didn't make enough money.

Videos from both of their cell phones show them threatening and beating the victim, while she suffered through drug withdrawals. The female victim was also advertised on a website to sex buyers all over New England, according to the USAO.

Both Sotos were each convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking and sex trafficking by force, and coercion. Kiersten Soto was also convicted of one count of traveling or using interstate facilities to promote unlawful activities.

“Kiersten and Moises Soto built their so-called livelihood off of brutality and control. The Sotos compounded their cruelty by recording the abuse – immortalizing the victim’s trauma for their own depraved purposes,” said U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley. “Today’s convictions send the unmistakable message that this office will relentlessly pursue those who traffic in human suffering, and we will not stop until they are exposed, prosecuted, and brought to justice.”

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