The defendant allegedly choked the victim until she lost consciousness, kicked her in the stomach, held knives to her throat and a loaded gun to her head, and allegedly threatened to kill her and her family if she disobeyed him
BOSTON — A man has been charged after an investigation led by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) New England found he allegedly trafficked a woman to engage in commercial sex acts, coerced her to travel across state lines to engage in commercial sex, forced her to assist him in robbing multiple convenience stores in Massachusetts, and forced her to assist in procuring an illegal firearm for him to use in one of the robberies.
David Walker, 26, was indicted by a federal grand jury on one count of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion; one count of coercing a person to travel for purposes of prostitution; five counts of robbery interfering with interstate commerce, commonly referred to as Hobbs Act robbery; and one count of possessing, using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. Walker is currently in state custody on related charges and will appear in federal court in Boston at a later date.
“The acts of extreme violence Walker is charged with paint a nightmarish picture. The account from this survivor is heartbreaking and unfortunately, one we see too often from those who are trafficked. Benign romantic relationships can quickly be upended and turned into a relationship of abuse, violence, and coercion,” said HSI New England Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol. “HSI special agents and victim assistance professionals work every day to seek justice for people who have been trafficked and provide access to resources to help regain their dignity and independence.”
“Mr. Walker’s alleged conduct is horrifying. He is alleged to have callously exploited this young woman — forcing her into a life of fear and violence for his own criminal gain. As alleged, this defendant used extreme violence and intimidation to control his victim, even forcing her to participate in multiple robberies,” said acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “This indictment is one of many we have brought against men who traffic women through force, fraud or coercion. The penalties for such conduct are rightly severe and this office is steadfast in its commitment to protecting victims of trafficking and ensuring that those who engage in such reprehensible conduct are brought to justice.”
According to the indictment, Walker met his victim on social media and initiated a romantic relationship. It is alleged that Walker then pressured her to engage in commercial sex and when she repeatedly refused, he became physically violent with her, including by grabbing her, putting his hands around her neck and slamming her into the floor. Walker allegedly required her to make $800 per day selling her body for sex, taking all the money for himself, and physically and sexually abused the victim if she made less. Walker’s abuse allegedly included choking the victim until she lost consciousness, kicking her in the stomach, holding knives to her throat and holding a loaded gun to her head. He also allegedly threatened to kill her and her family members if she disobeyed him.
It is further alleged that Walker coerced and forced the victim to travel from Massachusetts to Maine for the purpose of engaging in commercial sex. Walker also allegedly forced the victim to use drugs, including crack, cocaine, mushrooms and Percocet, to make her less able to refuse when he wanted her to engage in commercial sex.
Additionally, the indictment further alleges that, on different dates in October 2023, Walker robbed four separate 7-Eleven convenience stores in West Roxbury, Cambridge, Watertown and Pepperell, and attempted to rob a fifth location in Everett. Walker allegedly forced and coerced the same victim to assist him in the robberies. Prior to the West Roxbury robbery, it is alleged that Walker forced the victim to drive him to Dorchester so that he could pick up a semiautomatic handgun to use in the robbery.
The charge of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and up to life in prison, at least five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charges of coercing a person to travel for purposes of prostitution provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of Hobbs Act robbery provides for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of possessing, using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of seven years and up to 25 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. sentencing guidelines and statutes that govern the determination of a sentence in a criminal case.
Krol and Levy made the announcement Sept. 17. HSI’s investigation was led by the HSI Boston Human Trafficking and Smuggling Unit. Valuable assistance was provided by the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office and the Boston, Cambridge, Watertown, Everett and Pepperell Police Departments.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
HSI plays an integral role in combating human trafficking by working with its law enforcement partners to deter, disrupt and dismantle the criminal networks that engage in it. Special agents use their expertise and rely on HSI’s authorities to seize assets and eliminate profit incentives, work with nongovernmental organizations to protect and assist victims, and bring traffickers to justice. HSI leads the DHS Center for Countering Human Trafficking to advance counter human trafficking law enforcement operations, protect victims and enhance prevention efforts. The CCHT integrates the efforts of every component within DHS involved in combating human trafficking, including criminal investigations, victim assistance, identifying and reporting human trafficking, external outreach, intelligence and training.
HSI’s Victim Assistance Program provides a critical resource to HSI investigations and criminal prosecutions. The VAP helps preserve victims’ and survivors’ rights, helps connect them with the services they’re legally entitled to receive and provides them with the support they need to fully participate in the criminal justice process.
If you suspect human trafficking, call the HSI Tip Line at 877-4-HSI-TIP. Callers may remain anonymous.