A Tewksbury man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for sex trafficking and transporting victims across state lines for prostitution. Jermall Anderson, aged 45, received his sentence from U.S. District Court Judge Denise J. Casper and will also serve five years of supervised release after his prison term. In November 2024, Anderson admitted guilt to charges including seven counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion, one count of coercion and enticement, and one count of interstate transportation for prostitution purposes. He was indicted in August 2023 alongside two accomplices.
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." Foley commended the victims who testified against Anderson, stating that they had reclaimed their lives by doing so.
Michael J. Krol, Special Agent in Charge at Homeland Security Investigations New England, added: "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."
Between 2012 and 2016, Anderson used physical violence, threats, and manipulation involving heroin and cocaine to exploit seven victims through prostitution. His targets were often struggling with addiction or homelessness. He recruited women from detox centers directly into a life of forced prostitution across several states including New England, New York, and New Jersey.
For those seeking more information about this case or wishing to raise concerns can contact authorities at 617-748-3274 or via USAMA.VictimAssistance@usdoj.gov.
The announcement came from U.S. Attorney Foley alongside HSI SAC Krol with support from various law enforcement departments including those in Lynn and Tewksbury (Mass.), Hampden (Conn.), as well as the HSI Office in New Haven. The prosecution was led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen W. Hassink from the Narcotics & Money Laundering Unit.