A Tewksbury man, Jermall Anderson, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for sex trafficking and transporting victims across state lines for prostitution. U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper delivered the sentence, which includes five years of supervised release following imprisonment. In November 2024, Anderson admitted guilt to multiple charges including seven counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion.
United States Attorney Leah B. Foley commented on the case: "Jermall Anderson preyed on vulnerable women, targeting and sexually exploiting homeless and drug-addicted women for his own benefit. He controlled his victims with fear, violence and drugs all so that he could profit off of them." She commended the victims who testified against Anderson: "I applaud the brave victims who stood up against Jermall Anderson. In doing so, they took back control of their lives and assured that a violent and depraved predator is no longer a threat to the community."
Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations New England, stated: "Anderson and his co-conspirators weaponized addiction to control women and force them into sex trafficking... After today’s sentence, he is facing the consequences of his cruelty and greed – serious federal prison time."
From 2012 to 2016, Anderson used physical violence and manipulated addiction through heroin and cocaine to coerce seven women into prostitution across several states including New England, New York, and New Jersey. The victims were primarily recruited from detox centers and rehabilitation facilities.
The public can contact authorities at 617-748-3274 or via email at USAMA.VictimAssistance@usdoj.gov for information related to this case.
U.S. Attorney Foley announced the sentencing alongside HSI SAC Krol. The investigation received support from various police departments in Massachusetts and Connecticut. Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen W. Hassink prosecuted the case.
