Jennifer Fortier, 49, of New Haven, Connecticut, United States, Jermall Anderson, 43, of Tewksbury, Massachusetts, USA and Latasha Anderson, 37, of Lynn, Massachusetts are accused of trafficking five women all over New England, USA and into New York, USA and New Jersey, USA. New England comprises six U.S. states namely Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont.
From 2012 through 2016, Fortier, Jermall and Latasha allegedly forced the victims to prostitute on their behalf. To do this, the three suspects allegedly used physical violence, threats and the giving and withholding of heroin and cocaine.
For Fortier, Jermall and Latasha’s benefit, the five victims were allegedly coerced into providing commercial sex. The victims were allegedly struggling from drug addiction, homelessness and lack of economic resources.
On August 9, 2023, Fortier, Jermall and Latasha were arrested. Fortier was charged with knowingly transporting any individual in interstate or foreign commerce with intent that such individual engage in prostitution and two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion.
Jermall was charged with coercion and enticement and five counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion. Latasha was charged with two counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion.
After a hearing on August 10, 2023, Jermall was detained pending a final detention determination and Latasha was released under conditions. Fortier will appear in federal court in Boston, Massachusetts at a later date.
CONAN Daily 