A suspect has been arrested in a child sex trafficking operation following a collaborative effort by the Boston Police Human Trafficking Unit and partnering agencies. Today, the Boston Police Department reported that the 29-year-old Boston resident, Shakera “Stacks” Pina, was detained during an investigation sparked by an online advertisement suspected of promoting sex with a minor. Utilizing undercover officers to engage with the suspect through department-issued phones, the enforcement teams were able to set a trap at a local hotel, leading to a stark revelation of the exploitation faced by a juvenile victim.
According to the official Boston Police Department statement, the investigation centered on an online classified ad platform, a known conduit for sex trafficking activities. When law enforcement officials posed as potential clients, they arranged to quickly meet with the advertised minor, a decision that allowed them to quickly intervene. The operation culminated at a hotel location where the victim, a 15-year-old girl, was met by investigators and transferred to the hospital for care.
The arrest of Pina occurred shortly after the recovery of the victim. Upon noticing law enforcement near her vehicle, the suspect initially attempted to evade capture but was promptly stopped and arrested. Law enforcement officials later noted that during the arrest, Pina allegedly endeavored to destroy evidence. During the booking process, several items were recovered which included marijuana, a digital scale, varying denominations of U.S. currency, and condoms. These items pointed towards a nexus of criminal activities well beyond the immediate charges of trafficking.
The charges announced against Pina were serious, encompassing human trafficking, deriving support from prostitution, resisting arrest, and possession of marijuana with intent to distribute. This arrest serves as a stark reminder of the urgent battle against the scourge of human trafficking. The Boston Police Department remains vigilant in its commitment to rescue victims and prosecute those behind these heinous crimes. They strongly encourage anyone with information related to human trafficking to come forward and contact their Human Trafficking Unit.
