Worcester Couple Sentenced to 18 Years for Sex Trafficking

Kiersten and Moises Soto convicted of trafficking a younger family member around New England.

Published on Feb. 4, 2026

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A Worcester couple, Kiersten Soto, 32, and Moises Soto, 33, were each sentenced to 18 years in prison for sex trafficking a younger family member around New England. The husband and wife were accused of advertising the victim online and trafficking them in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Rhode Island between February and May 2022.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing issue of sex trafficking, particularly within families, and the need for stronger enforcement and support services to protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation. The sentencing sends a strong message about the consequences of these heinous crimes.

The details

Kiersten and Moises Soto were convicted in federal court in September 2022 of one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking and sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion. Kiersten Soto was also convicted of one count of traveling or using interstate facilities to promote unlawful activities. The charges related to the trafficking of a younger family member. Prosecutors said Kiersten Soto regularly threatened the victim with violence, abandonment, and involuntary commitment, while Moises Soto used extreme physical violence including beatings, assaults with wooden dowel rods, and choking if the victim failed to make enough money. The Sotos also recorded the abuse.

  • The crimes occurred between February and May 2022.
  • The Sotos were arrested in 2022 and convicted in September of that year.
  • The Sotos were sentenced on February 4, 2026.

The players

Kiersten Soto

A 32-year-old woman convicted of sex trafficking and related charges.

Moises Soto

A 33-year-old man convicted of sex trafficking and related charges.

Leah Foley

The U.S. Attorney who announced the sentencing.

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What they’re saying

“'Kiersten Soto regularly threatened the victim with violence, abandonment and involuntary commitment to a facility. Moises Soto used extreme physical violence including beatings, assaults with wooden dowel rods and choking if the victim failed to make enough money.'”

— Leah Foley, U.S. Attorney (boston.com)

What’s next

The Sotos will serve 18 years in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release. They will also pay a $5,000 fine and mandatory restitution to the victim in the amount of $138,000.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing issue of sex trafficking, particularly within families, and the need for stronger enforcement and support services to protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation. The lengthy sentences send a strong message about the consequences of these heinous crimes.