RI Man, 2 Others Caught Trying To Pay For Sex With Child In MA: Police

PAWTUCKET, RI — A Rhode Island man and two other men were arrested Tuesday in Swansea, Massachusetts, as part of a joint human trafficking operation, according to police.

Swansea police said they arrested David Afriyie, 19, of Pawtucket, Joseph Wood, 38, of Hanson, MA, and Manuel Costa, 39, of Westport, MA. The three men were charged with enticing a child under the age of 16, sexual conduct for a fee with a child under the age of 18, and attempt to commit a crime (rape of a child under the age of 16).

On Tuesday, Swansea police, collaborating with Massachusetts State Police and officers in Somerset, MA, conducted a joint operation to target people trying to pay for sex with children.

Police said an undercover officer posed as someone under the age of 16. According to police, Afriyie, Wood, and Costa went to a designated place in Swansea with the belief they would be meeting with a child for sex.

"This was a great example of state and local law enforcement working together to protect our most vulnerable population," Swansea Police Chief Mark Foley said. "As a team, we were able to tackle a very serious issue that, unfortunately, no community is immune from. We will do everything in our power to protect the children in our communities."

Bail was set for all three men at $5,000, pending arraignment. Costa posted bail and was released, while the other two defendants were held overnight at the Bristol County House of Correction in New Bedford, MA.

All three men are scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday in Fall River District Court.

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