PG, a 22-year-old woman, was charged with Trafficking in Persons for Sexual Servitude.

Over many months, a multi-department task force investigated a prostitution ring. The investigation revealed that a male pimp (MP) traveled up and down the east coast with various women, some under 18 years old. Staying in each city for a day or two, MP and the women rented hotel rooms. MP posted ads on websites like Backpage and Craigslist. The ads targeted men whom were seeking sex with women. Men whom responded to the ads would show up at the hotel, pay money to the pimp, have sex with the women, then leave. MP kept the money, all of it. Never more than three at a time, the women were not allowed to use their cell phones, not allowed to engage in idle chat with customers, and not allowed to leave.

MP used PG's prostitution services most frequently. What started as a "dating" relationship turned into one based on subjugation. Not only a prostitute, MP forced PG to correct the behavior of the other girls. When one of the girls would act up or misbehave, MP sent PG to ensure that the bad behavior stopped.

Law enforcement's investigation initially showed that PG was the "bottom bitch," aka "top girl." The bottom bitch is a term used in the prostitution world to delineate the prostitute whom is responsible for keeping the other girls in line. The task force believed that PG willfully enforced the pimp's rules and received payment in return.

After obtaining warrants, the task force arrested MP and PG at a hotel in Rhode Island. Both were extradited to Massachusetts. Bail was set at an amount that was too high for either to pay. Attorney Henry Fasoldt stepped in to represent PG. At the start, PG showed interest only in "getting out." She had been fighting with her mother, and wanted only to be away from Massachusetts. Believing that MP was her boyfriend, PG wrote graphic letters to him from jail. It appeared as if the government's theory was correct. Yet, as time passed a different narrative came to light. PG shared stories of pimp abuse. She disclosed sinister details of the pimping operation; including incidents of threatening, punching, choking, and sexual assaults. The operation was not one based on fair treatment of employees; it was conducted with the pimp wielding absolute power. Enforcement was heavy-handed. Punishment was doled out with violence.

Henry and PG discussed how this information might change the prosecutor's opinion about her level of culpability. From the outset, the prosecutor made overtures to Henry, suggesting that PG would be given significant consideration for cooperating. After lengthy discussions, PG agreed to allow Henry to share these details with the prosecutor. Believing most of the stories, the prosecutor offered that the case be dismissed if PG cooperate against the pimp. PG balked. By this point months had passed, and PG had been released from jail and outfitted with a GPS bracelet. Feeling the pressure, PG cut off her bracelet and ran. 6 months later PG turned herself in. She was tired of running, tired of living on the street, and wary of her case. She was also pregnant.

The prosecutor was unimpressed, but not without empathy. She made a new offer - cooperate against the pimp and your case will be dismissed, but you must plead guilty to the crime of failure to appear, also known as "bail jumping." PG agreed. She acknowledged the reality, and decided to give evidence against the pimp.

Fortunately, PG did not have to testify as MP decided to plead guilty. Perhaps he chose to plead due to the strong evidence against him. The Human Trafficking charge against PG was dismissed. She plead guilty to bail jumping.

Attorney Henry Fasoldt represents individuals charged with human trafficking. Some are accused of being the leader, other are accused of merely participating. If you or a loved one has been accused of human trafficking, Call Human Trafficking defense lawyer, Henry Fasoldt. (617) 338-0009.