A Waltham man has been convicted on federal charges of attempting to engage in the sex trafficking of a child, authorities said.
Misael Fabian Medina, 38, faces a stiff penalty after a Boston jury found him guilty of trying to pay for sex with a minor. The charges include one count of attempted sex trafficking of a child and one count of attempted coercion and enticement, according to an announcement by the U.S. Attorney's Office. Sentencing is set for June 20, 2024, with U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper presiding.
"The human trafficking industry is thriving because it is fueled by the demand from buyers. Our office has committed substantial resources to prosecuting the individuals who engage in human trafficking and the sex buyers, particularly when it comes to minors," Acting United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy stated. He detailed how Medina was caught in a sting operation, arriving at a hotel with $200 to engage in sexual acts with an advertised 12-year-old girl – who was, in fact, nonexistent.
Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New England, Michael J. Krol, emphasized the importance of the operation, saying, "Medina planned to sexually abuse a 12-year-old girl. He negotiated with a trafficker and arrived at the hotel ready to assault a child. But instead of a trafficker, there was an undercover HSI special agent waiting for him." This conviction underscores the determined efforts of law enforcement to protect the vulnerable and crack down on those intending to exploit them.
The consequences for Medina could be severe. The charge of attempted sex trafficking of a child carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years up to life in prison, while the coercion charge holds a minimum of 10 years to life. Both crimes come with at least five years of supervised release and up to $250,000 in fines.
For those with information or seeking help regarding commercial sex trafficking, the U.S. Attorney's Office directs to contact [email protected]. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian A. Fogerty and Jason A. Casey are listed as prosecutors for the Medina case.
