A Connecticut woman, Jennifer Fortier, 51, from New Haven, has been sentenced to 58 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release. She was sentenced in Boston by U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper for sex trafficking and transporting victims across state lines for the purpose of prostitution. The sentencing falls short of the government's recommendation of an eight-year prison term.
Fortier pleaded guilty in November 2024 to charges that include two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion, as well as one count related to the interstate transport of individuals for prostitution purposes. Indicted by a federal grand jury in August 2023, Fortier faced charges alongside co-defendants Jermall Anderson and Latasha Anderson.
"Jennifer Fortier inflicted violence against these women, who were vulnerable, homeless, unemployed, and suffering from drug addiction, all to feed the profits of this criminal sex-trafficking organization," stated United States Attorney Leah B. Foley. Foley emphasized the commitment of her office to prosecute those who exploit others, stating, "Everybody deserves to be treated with dignity, not exploited for their addictions and life circumstances."
Special Agent in Charge Michael J. Krol of Homeland Security Investigations New England commented on Fortier's actions, noting, "Fortier worked alongside the now-convicted human trafficker Jermall Anderson, using violence and drugs to enforce his reign of terror over the women he trafficked. The harm she and her co-conspirators did to the women they victimized cannot be undone, but as another member of the conspiracy is sentenced, we hope this step offers some resolution for all they have been through.”
The investigation revealed that from 2012 through 2016, Fortier and her co-conspirators, under Jermall Anderson's directive, employed tactics of violence, threats, and heroin and cocaine distribution to force victims into prostitution. Targeting vulnerable individuals struggling with drug addiction and homelessness, the conspirators coerced them into providing commercial sex services. The trafficking of these victims occurred across New England, New York, and New Jersey.
Jermall Anderson received a 15-year prison sentence in March 2025, to be followed by five years of supervised release. Latasha Anderson, another co-defendant, pleaded guilty in March 2025 and awaits sentencing set for June 11, 2025.
The public is encouraged to reach out with inquiries or information regarding the case by contacting 617-748-3274 or USAMA.VictimAssistance@usdoj.gov.
The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley along with Homeland Security Investigations SAC Michael J. Krol. Support was provided by various local police departments and offices, and the case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen W. Hassink of the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit.
