In a verdict that marks a win for justice, a New York man was found guilty of sex trafficking a minor and enforced labor yesterday, according to a federal jury in Boston. Sherriff Cooper, 37, exploited a vulnerable 15-year-old girl, whom he met while working as a security guard at a residential program for pregnant teens in 2017, as stated by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
"Justice was served here. Mr. Cooper abused his position of trust to violently exploit an innocent 15-year-old girl for his own financial benefit," Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy said in a statement reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office. The troubling case comes with a minimum mandatory sentence of 15 years to life in prison.
Detailing Cooper's abuse, authorities stated that he began a sexual relationship with the victim and initiated his predatory scheme in early 2018. Cooper advertised the victim on commercial sex websites and transported her across state lines, ensuring all proceeds landed in his pockets. The young girl, forced by violence and threats to engage in commercial sex, suffered immeasurable trauma at Cooper's hands.
As if the exploitation wasn't grim enough, Cooper doubled down by forcing the victim to perform at a New York strip club, equipped with a fake ID he obtained for her. The ruthlessness of his crime, using physical threats to cement control, was noted by Jodi Cohen, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Boston Division. The agent told the U.S. Attorney's Office, "It was imperative that FBI Boston’s Child Exploitation – Human Trafficking Task Force take him off the street."
Those facing the dark realm of commercial sex trafficking are urged to seek help and can contact [email protected] for support. Cooper's sentencing is set for June 5, 2024, assured by the U.S. Attorney's Office to reflect the grievous nature of his offenses. The case was brought to light thanks to the collaborative efforts of the FBI’s New York Field Division and the Malden Police Department, with assistant U.S. Attorneys Torey B. Cummings, Stephen W. Hassink, and Lauren A. Graber leading the prosecution.
