A husband and wife from Worcester, Massachusetts, were convicted on September 22, 2025, of sex trafficking offenses after a six-day jury trial in federal court. Kiersten Soto, 32, and Moises Soto, 33, were found guilty of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking and sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion. Both charges stem from the trafficking of a younger relative within their family. Additionally, Kiersten Soto was convicted of traveling or using interstate facilities to promote unlawful activities.
The sentencing for both defendants is scheduled for December 19, 2025. The Sotos were initially arrested and indicted in December 2022.
During the trial, evidence showed that between February and May 2022 the couple used violence and threats to force the victim into commercial sex acts across Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Rhode Island. They advertised the victim online to buyers throughout New England. Testimony revealed that Kiersten Soto threatened the victim with violence and abandonment while Moises Soto inflicted physical abuse if financial demands were not met. Videos presented in court depicted both defendants threatening and berating the victim as she experienced 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.”
“HSI has no tolerance for those who exploit and traffic vulnerable individuals,” said Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England. “With these two traffickers brought to justice, a victim is now free from exploitation and on the path to healing. HSI is grateful for the partnership and support of our local and state partners from the Marlborough Police Department, the Worcester Police Department, and the Massachusetts State Police.”
The charge of sex trafficking by force carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years up to life imprisonment along with supervised release requirements and restitution payments to victims. Conspiracy to commit sex trafficking can also result in up to life imprisonment with similar penalties attached. The charge related to interstate promotion of unlawful activities could add up to five years in prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephen W. Hassink and Torey B. Cummings from the Criminal Division with support from multiple law enforcement agencies including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Massachusetts State Police as well as Marlborough and Worcester police departments.
