2 Massachusetts men charged with sex trafficking

BOSTON — Two Massachusetts men were indicted in federal court Wednesday for sex trafficking. 

These indictments resulted from an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

Kwamaine J. Wells, 26, of Brockton, Massachusetts, was indicted on two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion, four counts of transportation of an individual with intent to engage in prostitution, and one count of conspiracy to transport an individual for prostitution.  Akil J. DeCoteau, 27, of Boston, was indicted on one count of transportation of an individual with intent to engage in prostitution and one count of conspiracy.  

According to the indictment, between April 2013 and February 2014, Wells transported four women between Maine, Massachusetts and New York with the intent that they engage in prostitution, and used force and threats to coerce two of the women to engage in prostitution.  In January 2014, DeCoteau transported a woman between Maine, Massachusetts and New York with the intent that she engage in prostitution.  The indictment further alleges that from May 2013 to January 2014, Wells and DeCoteau conspired together to transport women between Massachusetts, New Jersey and New York with the intent that they engage in prostitution. 

The charge of sex trafficking provides for a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum penalty of life in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000.  The charge of transportation to engage in prostitution provides for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000.  Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties.  Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The details contained in the indictment are allegations.  The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.