0
0
BOSTON — A Canton man was arrested for sex trafficking a minor who had been reported missing for about two weeks.
According to U.S. Attorney Rachael Rollins’ Office, Keion Rowell, 23, was indicted on one count of sex trafficking of a child and one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor.
Rowell was arrested on April 13 and the following day made an initial appearance in federal court in Boston before U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Marianne Bowler.
The indictment states that on January 28, 2021, police located a 15-year-old girl who had been reported missing from her home in the suburbs of Boston for about 10-14 days.
On the victim’s phone police found nude and otherwise sexually suggestive pictures of the girl, an online advertisement for prostitution including her pictures, as well as Venmo and Cash App accounts registered to Rowell.
Rowell is alleged to have opened a Meet Me account for the victim, which advertised commercial sex with the girl and also instructed her how much she should charge. According to the release, it’s also alleged that Rowell forced the girl to engage in commercial sex acts multiple times, taking all of the proceeds.
“We believe that this defendant preyed on, groomed, and advertised a vulnerable 15-year-old girl, a child, for commercial sex – profiting off his exploitation,” said Rollins. “This case is an unfortunate reminder that sex trafficking knows no limits. It can reach any community and target victims of all ages. My office and our law enforcement partners remain diligent in our efforts to prevent the targeted exploitation and harming of our most vulnerable.”
Rowell has been detained pending an arraignment and detention hearing scheduled for April 19.
If you have been a victimized by Rowell, please contact: USAMA.VictimAssistance@usdoj.gov.
