Police in Lawrence say a targeted undercover sting pulled in five men who allegedly responded to an online escort ad that appeared to feature a juvenile. Among those arrested was 46-year-old Keith Duane of Chelmsford, and investigators say the operation was aimed at cracking down on the commercial sexual exploitation of minors in the area.
Undercover operation led to arrests
According to Lawrence police, the department’s Street Narcotics Enforcement Unit worked with the Massachusetts State Police High Risk Victims Unit on an online sting that used a fictitious escort ad portraying a juvenile. Officers directed respondents to a south Lawrence address, then arrested the men as they arrived separately.
Police identified the suspects as Anderson Foe, 24, of Lawrence; Matthew German, 37, of Epping, N.H.; Junior Sosa, 44, of Lawrence; Mamadou Diallo, 54, of Jefferson; and Keith Duane, 46, of Chelmsford. All five face charges of enticement of a child under 16 and attempt to commit rape, along with counts of sexual conduct with a child under 18, as reported by the Lowell Sun.
What the charges mean under state law
Under Massachusetts law, enticement of a child under 16 is a criminal offense that carries potential prison time and fines. The offense is defined in G.L. c. 265, § 26C. Related charges involving sexual conduct with minors and attempts to commit rape carry tougher penalties when alleged victims are below the age thresholds set out in statute. The statute language and penalty details are posted on Justia.
Why police run these stings
Lawrence police said the operation is part of an ongoing push to cut demand for the commercial sexual exploitation of minors in the region. State police units such as the High Risk Victims Unit focus on victim-centered investigations into trafficking and exploitation and frequently assist local departments in operations aimed at buyers, according to the Massachusetts State Police. Investigators say undercover ads can help identify alleged offenders while also creating openings to locate and assist exploited youth.
Police did not immediately release court dates or bail information for the suspects. The charges are allegations, and each person is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
