BOSTON, MA – Carlos Casillas, 51, from Springfield, received a 220-month prison sentence yesterday for sex trafficking a minor under 14 years old. U.S. District Court Judge Mark G. Mastroianni also imposed five years of supervised release post-incarceration. In July 2023, Casillas was convicted of one count of sex trafficking of a minor by a federal jury.
Acting U.S. Attorney Joshua S. Levy emphasized the severity of preying on vulnerable minors. He stated that those who exploit young children will face significant imprisonment. Levy highlighted that Casillas exploited the victim’s challenging circumstances for his advantage.
Homeland Security Investigations in New England’s Special Agent in Charge, Michael J. Krol, remarked on the nature of Casillas’ crime. He noted Casillas’ exploitation of the minor’s vulnerability and disenfranchisement, a common tactic among traffickers. Krol stressed that the substantial sentence would prevent Casillas from harming others.
The investigation into Casillas began in September 2021. He was accused of trafficking a 13-year-old girl living in a group home under the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families. Trial evidence showed that Casillas used Facebook Messenger to solicit the minor. He picked her up from the group home and took her to a motel, pretending to take her to Boston. He discussed leaving the group home and proposed monetary exchange for services. The trial established Casillas’ use of his age and resources to manipulate the victim.