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Boston Area Sex Trafficking Ring Convictions Announced

A representation showing the urgency in combating human trafficking in Boston.

News Summary

In a chilling case, four individuals have been convicted for operating a sex trafficking ring exploiting vulnerable women from Central and South America. The trial highlighted the disturbing realities of human trafficking in the Boston area, where the defendants ran brothels and coerced women into sexual servitude. The Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office commended the collaborative effort in securing these convictions, which marks a significant step in the ongoing fight against human trafficking as the community seeks to raise awareness.

Boston Area Sex Trafficking Ring: Four Guilty in Major Case

In a gripping trial that unfolded over five weeks in Suffolk Superior Court, four individuals were found guilty of operating a sex trafficking ring that exploited vulnerable women from Central and South America. This disturbing case has sent shockwaves through the Boston area as the public grapples with the reality of human trafficking within their communities.

The Convicted

The Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office declared the verdict on Tuesday, naming the convicted: Cristina Lasso, 52, of Saugus; Jose Deblas, 38, of Lynn; Marlon Nagano, 43, of East Boston; and Jorge Lasso, 60, of Chelsea. Each of these individuals played a role in a chilling operation that lasted from October 2018 to July 2019. The evidence presented during the trial made it painfully clear that they were involved in the trafficking and exploitation of women.

The Operations

These defendants were accused of running multiple brothels located in East Boston, Chelsea, and Lynn. Testimonies revealed that the women involved were coerced and were rotated among the four brothels on a regular basis. The women, often from desperate backgrounds, were subjected to life-altering trauma as they were forced to charge customers for sexual services on a daily basis.

Key Figures and Their Charges

Cristina Lasso emerged as the ringleader of this harrowing operation. She faced multiple charges, including:

Four counts of trafficking persons for sexual servitude
Four counts of maintaining a house of prostitution
Four counts of keeping a house of ill fame
One count of money laundering

Her co-defendant, Jorge Lasso, also faced serious charges, including:

One count of trafficking persons for sexual servitude
One count of money laundering

Jose Deblas and Marlon Nagano similarly received convictions, contributing to the extensive network:

Deblas was found guilty on multiple counts, including one count of trafficking persons for sexual servitude and two counts of maintaining a house of prostitution.
Nagano faced charges including one count of trafficking persons for sexual servitude and two counts of keeping a house of ill fame.

Initial Charges and Ongoing Investigations

Originally, nine individuals were charged in 2019 as part of this extensive investigation, but the four who stood trial have been held accountable for their actions. The prosecution’s strong case was bolstered by a wealth of evidence, including physical proof, pole camera footage, documents, and digital records. These elements painted a clear picture of the systematic exploitation that took place.

A Collaborative Effort

This case came to fruition thanks to the diligent work of the Massachusetts AG’s Human Trafficking Division and the Environmental Crimes Strike Force. Their commitment to justice was instrumental in leading to these convictions. Assistant Attorneys General Amanda Paull and Michael Anderson played pivotal roles in crafting the legal strategy that ultimately resulted in holding these defendants accountable.

What’s Next?

The four convicted defendants are awaiting sentencing, which is scheduled for May 2. As the community reflects on this egregious violation of human rights, it serves as a chilling reminder of the ongoing fight against human trafficking. Everyone has a part to play in raising awareness and supporting initiatives aimed at combatting this grave issue.

The story doesn’t end here. This conviction marks a significant step forward in the fight against sex trafficking, but the journey is far from over. Through continued efforts, perhaps we can ensure that no one else falls victim to such heinous crimes.