United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy | U.S. Department of Justice
A Boston man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for sex trafficking and drug charges. Jonathan Vaughan, also known as "Ason," was convicted of exploiting women through coercion and violence from at least 2019 until his arrest in October 2021. U.S. District Court Judge Richard G. Stearns delivered the sentence, which includes five years of supervised release.
Vaughan, aged 38, had pleaded guilty to multiple counts including sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion; transportation for prostitution; and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. He was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2022.
"Jonathan Vaughan will now pay a very heavy price for exploiting his victims’ vulnerabilities and using forcing them to sell their bodies for his financial gain," stated United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. Levy emphasized the commitment of law enforcement agencies to combatting sex trafficking.
Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol of Homeland Security Investigations in New England commented on the severity of Vaughan's crimes: "Vaughn used physical violence and coercion to leverage his victims’ vulnerabilities as a form of control." Krol expressed hope that the sentence would bring some peace to those affected.
The court heard how Vaughan recruited women from areas such as Mass and Cass, Downtown Crossing, and online platforms like Facebook. He transported victims across state lines for commercial sex acts, directing operations from a tent where he also distributed drugs.
Authorities encourage potential victims or those with information related to these crimes to contact USAMA.VictimAssistance@usdoj.gov.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Levy alongside HSI SAC Krol with support from various law enforcement agencies including the FBI's Boston Division and local police departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lindsey E. Weinstein prosecuted the case.
