News Summary
Shakera Pina, 29, has been charged with sex trafficking a 15-year-old girl following law enforcement’s discovery of online ads offering commercial sex. Pina, already on probation for a previous violent incident, attempted to flee when approached by authorities. This case underscores the ongoing issue of sex trafficking involving minors, highlighting the need for community vigilance and support for victims.
Boston – A 29-year-old woman named Shakera Pina has been charged with sex trafficking a minor, according to the U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts. The charges emerged after law enforcement discovered online advertisements offering commercial sex with a 15-year-old girl who had been reported missing.
Pina, who is currently in state custody on related charges, is scheduled to appear in federal court in Boston at a later date. The case against her is particularly alarming, as she was already on probation from a 2022 incident in which she allegedly stabbed another woman multiple times.
Law enforcement officials first encountered Pina’s actions on April 7, when they found online advertisements offering sexual services for a 15-year-old girl. Responding to this troubling discovery, authorities initiated a sting operation by posing as potential buyers. During the operation, Pina allegedly agreed to meet a fictional buyer at a hotel that evening for a sexual encounter involving the minor.
When law enforcement arrived at the hotel, they successfully recovered another 15-year-old girl who was also involved in the commercial sex activities. Text messages found on the minor’s phone suggested that Pina provided instructions on how to interact with buyers and handle the financial proceeds from their encounters.
Pina was located in the hotel parking lot, sitting in her vehicle. When law enforcement approached her with flashing emergency lights, she is accused of attempting to flee. Reports indicate that she refused to open her car door and was seen manipulating her cell phone, likely trying to delete incriminating evidence. Officers were eventually forced to break the driver’s side window of her car to detain her properly.
During the apprehension, Pina is said to have disposed of two cell phones, indicating a clear intent to destroy evidence related to the case. The unidentified 15-year-old girl, who was found at the hotel, revealed that she had been trafficked by Pina during a comparable timeframe, being compelled to engage in commercial sex and surrender the financial proceeds to her.
The charge of sex trafficking a minor carries serious legal ramifications, with a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and the potential for life imprisonment. Prosecutors have noted the gravity of these offenses and encourage victims or individuals affected by commercial sex trafficking to seek assistance.
Sex trafficking remains a significant issue affecting minors, with various organizations working to raise awareness and provide resources for victims. Cases similar to that of Pina highlight the ongoing battle against such criminal activities and the importance of safeguarding vulnerable youth.
As law enforcement continues to tackle cases of sex trafficking, the community is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities. Resources and assistance can be found through various organizations dedicated to combating human trafficking and supporting victims.
For assistance related to commercial sex trafficking, individuals can reach out through designated legal channels or support networks aimed at helping victims regain control and seek justice.
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Additional Resources
- MassLive: Boston woman accused of trafficking missing 15-year-old girl for sex
- Wikipedia: Human trafficking
- Boston 25 News: Massachusetts man pleads guilty to sex trafficking four women
- Google Search: Sex trafficking statistics
- NBC Boston: Emmanuel College worker accused of soliciting underage applicant for sex
- Google Scholar: Human trafficking laws
- CBS News: Fall River police officer arrested for minor sex trafficking
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Child trafficking
- Reason: Massachusetts court weighs whether all prostitution is sex trafficking
- Google News: Human trafficking responses
