A multi-agency human trafficking investigation in Boston ended with two arrests after police say they seized a loaded handgun, hundreds of rounds of ammunition and suspected narcotics during an early morning raid.
BOSTON, Mass. — A multi-agency human trafficking investigation led to the arrests of two Dorchester residents Monday after authorities executed search warrants at a residence on Magnolia Street and recovered a loaded firearm, ammunition and suspected drugs, according to the Boston Police Department.
The operation began at about 6:01 a.m. and involved members of the Boston Police Human Trafficking Unit, Internet Crimes Against Children Unit, SWAT Team and the Massachusetts State Police Special Services Section High Risk Victim Squad.
Police said the investigation was part of an ongoing effort to identify, disrupt and dismantle human trafficking networks operating in Boston.
During the execution of search warrants for a suspect, a residence and a vehicle, officers recovered a loaded 9mm handgun and approximately 200 rounds of ammunition.
Authorities arrested 29-year-old Yuberkys Recci of Dorchester and 37-year-old Keysha Ortiz of Dorchester.
Recci is charged with kidnapping, trafficking of a person for sexual servitude, deriving support from prostitution, unlawful possession of a firearm, assault by means of a dangerous weapon with a firearm, possession with intent to distribute Class A drugs, possession with intent to distribute Class B drugs and witness intimidation.
Ortiz is charged with armed career criminal level three, unlawful possession of a firearm, assault and battery by means of a dangerous weapon, possession with intent to distribute Class A drugs, possession with intent to distribute Class B drugs and two counts of assault by means of a dangerous weapon.
Both defendants are expected to be arraigned in Dorchester District Court.
Police said the investigation remains active. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Boston Police Human Trafficking Unit at 617-343-6533 or submit anonymous tips through CrimeStoppers.
The charges are allegations, and both defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
Key Points
- Two Dorchester residents were arrested during a multi-agency human trafficking investigation.
- Police seized a loaded 9mm handgun, about 200 rounds of ammunition and suspected narcotics.
- The investigation remains active as detectives continue to pursue leads.
