WORCESTER—A Worcester husband and wife were convicted Monday of sex trafficking a younger relative, concluding a six-day federal jury trial.
Kiersten Soto, 32, and Moises Soto, 33, were each found guilty of one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking and one count of sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion. Kiersten Soto was also convicted of traveling or using interstate facilities to promote unlawful activities. U.S. District Court Judge Margaret R. Guzman scheduled sentencing for Dec. 19, 2025.
The defendants were arrested and indicted in December 2022. Evidence presented at trial showed that between February and May 2022, the couple exploited the victim for commercial sex in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut and Rhode Island. A website was used to advertise the victim across New England, while the Sotos regularly threatened, assaulted and coerced her.
“Kiersten and Moises Soto built their so-called livelihood off of brutality and control,” said United States Attorney Leah B. Foley in a statement. “The Sotos compounded their cruelty by recording the abuse – immortalizing the victim’s trauma for their own depraved purposes. 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 press release detailed that Kiersten Soto frequently threatened the victim with violence, abandonment, and involuntary commitment, while Moises Soto used beatings, assaults with wooden dowel rods, and choking. Videos recovered from their cell phones showed the couple cornering and berating the victim while she endured drug withdrawals.
“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, in the press release. “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.”
Federal statutes carry steep penalties for the convictions. Sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion carries 15 years to life in prison, plus at least five years of supervised release and fines up to $250,000, along with mandatory restitution to the victim. Conspiracy to commit sex trafficking carries similar penalties. Traveling or using interstate facilities to promote unlawful activities carries up to five years in prison and up to three years of supervised release.
The announcement was made jointly by U.S. Attorney Foley and HSI SAC Krol. Special assistance was provided by the Massachusetts State Police and the Marlborough and Worcester Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Stephen W. Hassink and Torey B. Cummings of the Criminal Division prosecuted the case.
