A Florida man, Angelo Dominic Lombardo, has entered a guilty plea in federal court in Boston for charges related to sex trafficking conspiracy and firearm possession. Lombardo, aged 29, admitted guilt to one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking through force, threats, fraud, and coercion, as well as one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The sentencing is scheduled for April 8, 2025.
"Mr. Lombardo deceived his victims with promises of a better life, and then he delivered the exact opposite," stated United States Attorney Joshua S. Levy. "Human trafficking is a deplorable crime and this office will continue to hold individuals like Mr. Lombardo accountable for their deplorable conduct."
The Federal Bureau of Investigation's Special Agent in Charge Jodi Cohen added, "What Angelo Lombardo admitted to doing today is horrific—using force, fraud, and coercion to traffic vulnerable women for his own financial benefit."
From June 2020 until July 12, 2021, Lombardo conspired with others to traffic four victims into commercial sex acts through physical assault and psychological coercion. He made false promises of a better life while threatening at least one victim with a firearm.
Lombardo recruited victims from Florida and Oregon under false pretenses. They were coerced into commercial sex work across various states including Massachusetts. One victim reported being unable to leave due to financial dependency on Lombardo. Another was threatened with harm if she disobeyed him.
One victim eventually reported Lombardo’s activities to the police in July 2021. Following this report and subsequent investigation by law enforcement authorities including the FBI's Child Exploitation – Human Trafficking Task Force, Lombardo was arrested on state trafficking charges during a traffic stop in Boston on July 12, 2021.
Upon arrest, authorities discovered $3,310 in cash on Lombardo's person. A search of his associated hotel room yielded a firearm matching descriptions provided by victims along with ammunition.
For the charge of sex trafficking conspiracy alone, the penalty could include up to life imprisonment alongside fines reaching $250,000; whereas the firearms charge may lead up to ten years' incarceration plus additional fines.
Acting U.S. Attorney Levy emphasized ongoing efforts against human trafficking crimes: "We want victims to know that we will work very hard to make sure they receive the services they need."
The case prosecution involves Assistant U.S Attorneys J. Mackenzie Duane from the Criminal Division alongside Elizabeth Riley-Cunniffe heading the Human Trafficking Unit.
Members of public who suspect involvement or victimhood by this individual are urged contact USAMA.VictimAssistance@usdoj.gov or seek information at https://polarisproject.org/.