A Waltham man has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison after attempting to traffic a child for sexual purposes, as reported by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Misael Fabian Medina, 38, was convicted earlier this year of trying to arrange a sexual encounter with a 12-year-old girl, and a federal jury found him guilty of one count of attempted sex trafficking of a child and one count of attempted coercion and enticement.
"Children are sold for sex far too often in our society. Our office has prosecuted several individuals who have trafficked minors, often highly vulnerable girls. This prosecution is squarely aimed at addressing the demand that fuels this despicable practicing of selling sex with kids. Medina showed up at a hotel with $200 in his hand in order to have sex with a 12-year-old girl. This sting operation should send a message to every person using a smart phone to troll for sex with minors, that the federal government is out there aggressively enforcing the laws against this reprehensible conduct," stated Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The investigation into Medina began after he responded to an online ad, which was a sting operation by undercover agents. He agreed through a text conversation to pay for a sexual activity with a minor and arrived at a Boston-area hotel with cash and condoms in hand, where he expected to meet the girl. Instead, Medina met with an undercover agent and was arrested at the scene.
Commenting on the severity of the crime and its consequences, Homeland Security Investigations New England’s Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol said, "Misael Fabian Medina was ready to pay to sexually abuse a 12-year-old child before he was arrested by HSI special agents. Today’s sentence will keep him off the streets and away from children he could harm." Krol emphasized that sex trafficking is demand-driven and affirmed the concerted effort by partners in law enforcement to combat such predatory behavior, as reported by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Following the completion of his sentence, Medina faces deportation proceedings to Guatemala. The U.S. Attorney's Office has urged anyone impacted by, or aware of, commercial sex trafficking to reach out for assistance via their established contact channel. The case, which holds implications for the broader struggle against child exploitation, was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Brian A. Fogerty and Jason A. Casey of the Criminal Division. Their joint efforts reflect an ongoing commitment to upholding justice for the most vulnerable among us.
