BOSTON — A married couple from Worcester were convicted of sex trafficking on Sept. 22, 2025 following a six-day jury trial.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts, Kiersten Soto, 32, and Moises Soto, 33, were each convicted of one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking and one count of sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion. Both charges stemmed from the interfamilial trafficking of a younger relative. Kiersten Soto was also convicted of one count of using interstate travel or communication facilities to promote unlawful activity. The defendants were arrested and formally indicted in December 2022.
Evidence presented at trial showed that between February and May 2022, the Sotos trafficked the victim for commercial sex across Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Rhode Island using force, fraud, and coercion. They advertised the victim to sex buyers throughout New England via an online platform.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts reported that Kiersten Soto repeatedly threatened the victim with violence, abandonment, and involuntary institutionalization. Moises Soto subjected the victim to severe physical abuse, including beatings, choking, and assaults with wooden dowel rods when the victim did not earn enough money.
Cell phone videos recovered from the defendants showed them cornering the victim inside their home, berating and threatening her, calling her a snitch, as she endured intense drug withdrawal symptoms.
“Kiersten and Moises Soto built their so-called livelihood off of brutality and control. The Sotos compounded their cruelty by recording the abuse – immortalizing the victim’s trauma for their own depraved purposes,” said United States Attorney Leah B. Foley. “Today’s convictions send the unmistakable message that this office will relentlessly pursue those who traffic in human suffering, and we will not stop until they are exposed, prosecuted, and brought to justice.”
The charge of sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and up to life in prison, at least five years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, and mandatory restitution to the victim. The charge of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking also carries a potential sentence of up to life in prison, at least five years of supervised release, a fine of up to $250,000, and mandatory restitution. The charge of traveling or using interstate facilities to promote unlawful activity—specifically prostitution—carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000.
The couple’s sentencing is scheduled for December 19, 2025, before U.S. District Court Judge Margaret R. Guzman.
