BOSTON — A Tewksbury man pleaded guilty Nov. 12 to sex trafficking after an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) uncovered an interstate sex trafficking ring operating throughout New England, New York and New Jersey.
Jermall Anderson, 45, pleaded guilty to seven counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion, one count of coercion and enticement, and one count of interstate transportation for the purpose of prostitution. U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper scheduled sentencing for March 12, 2025. Anderson was indicted in August 2023, along with two co-conspirators.
“Anderson and his co-conspirators exploited women in the most inhumane ways possible. He tactically prowled substance abuse rehabilitation facilities to find women with vulnerabilities he could exploit for his own profit. Human traffickers like Anderson and his collaborators are predators who ensnare victims by offering safety only to create a climate of dependence and fear that keeps victims under their control,” said HSI New England Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol. “The survivors of Anderson’s trafficking ring have been through so much and we hope that today’s plea is a positive landmark in their healing.”
“This case highlights both the horrors of human trafficking and the myriad ways the opioid crisis plagues our communities,” said acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. “Jermall Anderson exploited his victims’ drug addictions to force these women to sell their bodies many times a day, with Anderson pocketing all the money. He also used physical force and threats of harm to coerce these victims and keep them in line. Our office and are partners are dedicated to fighting on behalf of sex trafficking victims and bringing their traffickers to justice.”
From 2012 through 2016, Anderson, along with his alleged co-conspirators, used physical violence, threats and the giving and withholding of heroin and cocaine to force seven different victims to prostitute on their behalf. Anderson and his alleged co-conspirators targeted vulnerable victims, specifically those struggling from drug addiction, homelessness and lack of economic resources. Anderson recruited women struggling with drug addiction directly from detox and drug rehabilitation facilities and forced and coerced them into providing commercial sex for his financial benefit. The defendants are alleged to have trafficked these victims throughout New England, New York and New Jersey.
The charges of sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion each provide for a sentence of at least 15 years and up to life in prison, up to five years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000. The charges of coercion and enticement and interstate transportation for prostitution provide for a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000.
Members of the public who have questions, concerns or information regarding this case should call 617-748-3274 or contact USAMA.VictimAssistance@usdoj.gov.
The investigation was led by HSI New England’s Boston Human Smuggling and Trafficking Unit. Valuable assistance was provided by HSI New Haven, the Lynn and Tewksbury Police Departments, and the Hampden Police Department in Connecticut.
The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The remaining 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 (CCHT) 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 (VAP) 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.