Warwick, RI – State Police arrested a Massachusetts man at Motel 6 on Jefferson Boulevard Friday, charging him with sex trafficking a 17-year-old Massachusetts girl and possession of crack cocaine with intent to deliver.
RI State Police report they arrested Adolfo Hernandez, 21, of 21 Sutton St., Mattapan, MA during an investigation that discovered an internet advertisement depicting the girl in photographs  offering “to show you a good time.” Police followed the advertisement to Motel 6, finding the girl, who had run away from the Massachusetts Department of Children & Families on March 16 while at the Emerald Square Mall in Attleboro, MA.
Police also located and seized crack cocaine in Hernandez’s possession during the arrest.
Hernandez was arraigned at State Police Headquarters in Scituate, RI by a justice of the peace and ordered held without bail. He is currently held at the Adult Correctional Institution. The girl was returned to the custody of the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families.
Police report further charges may be sought against others believed to be involved in trafficking this young female as well as prior customers, who had engaged in sexual activity with her, according to police.
The penalty for Sex Trafficking of a Minor is punishable by imprisonment for not more than forty (40) years and or a fine of not more than forty thousand dollars ($40,000).
Rhode Island State Police encourage other potential victims of human trafficking to contact law enforcement, as help and a support network is available. Anyone with information regarding acts of human trafficking are encouraged to contact the Major Crimes Unit of the Rhode Island State Police at (401) 444-1046.
Author: Rob Borkowski
Rob has worked as reporter and editor for several publications, including The Kent County Daily Times and Coventry Courier, before working for Gatehouse in MA then moving home with Patch Media. Now he's publisher and editor of WarwickPost.com. Contact him at [email protected] with tips, press releases, advertising inquiries, and concerns.
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