Worcester Couple Convicted of Sex Trafficking Across State Lines
A couple from Worcester, Massachusetts, Kiersten Soto and Moises Soto, were convicted in federal court on Monday, September 23rd, on charges of sex trafficking. They were found guilty of forcing a victim into prostitution across four New England states: Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Rhode Island.
The Trial and Verdict
Following a six-day trial, a federal jury in Worcester found both Kiersten Soto and Moises Soto guilty of sex trafficking and conspiracy to commit sex trafficking. Kiersten Soto was additionally convicted of aiding and abetting interstate travel to promote prostitution, according to court records. The couple was arrested in December 2022.
Evidence presented at trial revealed that between February and May 2022, the couple used a website to advertise the victim's services throughout New England. They employed force, fraud, and coercion to traffic the victim for commercial sex. Kiersten Soto, 32, regularly threatened the victim with violence, abandonment, and involuntary commitment, while Moises Soto, 33, used extreme physical violence, including beatings and choking, if the victim failed to earn enough money.
Details of the Abuse and Investigation
A video discovered on one of the Sotos' phones showed the couple cornering, threatening, and berating the victim while she suffered from drug withdrawals. The victim was also advertised on a website to sex buyers across New England. The Department of Homeland Security, Massachusetts State Police, and police in Marlborough and Worcester were involved in the investigation.
"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. 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,” said U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley.
The Victim's Courage and Support
Audra Doody, executive director of Safe Exit Initiative, a Worcester nonprofit that helps prostituted women, noted that the victim testified courageously during the trial. “She stood up to those defense attorneys,” Doody said of the woman’s cross-examination. “She held on to her truth.” Safe Exit Initiative provided support to the victim throughout the process.
Sentencing and Future Implications
Kiersten Soto and Moises Soto are being held in federal custody pending sentencing, which is scheduled for December 19th by U.S. District Court Judge Margaret Guzman. The convictions send a strong message that authorities are committed to combating sex trafficking and bringing perpetrators to justice.
