A man from Lawrence, Massachusetts, has been arrested and charged with attempting to traffic a child for sex. Federal prosecutors allege that Alex Bou, 22, responded to an online advertisement placed by undercover law enforcement on a website known for commercial sex listings. The ad included photos of a young-looking female and language suggesting the individual was underage.
According to charging documents, Bou contacted the number in the ad on August 16, 2025. He exchanged messages with an undercover agent who claimed to be a 15-year-old girl available for paid sex acts. During their conversation on August 19, Bou allegedly asked if the purported minor was a virgin and agreed to pay $175 for unprotected sex. He acknowledged he would be engaging in sexual activity with an “underage girl.” Authorities say Bou arrived at the designated meeting place and was taken into custody.
Bou appeared in federal court in Boston after his arrest and was released under conditions pending further proceedings.
The charge of attempted sex trafficking of a child carries a minimum sentence of 10 years and up to life in prison, as well as supervised release and possible fines. Sentencing will be determined by a federal judge according to U.S. Sentencing Guidelines.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley stated: “United States Attorney Leah B. Foley and Ted E. Docks Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Division made the announcement.” She noted that assistance came from both the Massachusetts State Police and Boston Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Craig E. Estes from the Human Trafficking & Civil Rights Unit is leading prosecution efforts.
This case is part of Project Safe Childhood, a national program launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006 that brings together federal, state, and local resources to fight child exploitation and abuse (https://www.justice.gov/psc).
Prosecutors remind the public that all details in charging documents are allegations; Bou is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
Anyone affected by or aware of commercial sex trafficking is encouraged to contact USAMA.VictimAssistance@usdoj.gov.
