In a significant legal outcome, seven women have collectively received $1.5 million following their courageous actions against a Massachusetts man who compelled them into sex trafficking. This development was reported by U.S. Attorney Leah Foley’s office in Massachusetts.
Jermall Anderson, 45, has been sentenced to 15 years behind bars, accompanied by an additional five years of supervised release after his incarceration.
In November 2024, Anderson entered a guilty plea on multiple charges, including seven counts of sex trafficking by means of force, fraud, and coercion, in addition to charges of coercion and enticement and interstate transportation for the purpose of prostitution. Together with co-conspirators Jennifer Fortier and Latasha Anderson, he was indicted in August 2023.
“Jermall Anderson exploited vulnerable women, using fear, violence, and drugs for his own monetary gain,” stated Foley in an official announcement.
From 2012 to 2016, Anderson targeted women in detox and rehabilitation centers. Alongside his co-conspirators, he utilized violence and threats while depriving victims of narcotics to force them into prostitution.
One survivor reported being approached by a recruiter specifically sent to target women in detox facilities for Anderson’s operation.
Anderson maintained strict control over the women’s finances, including restricting access to their earnings through a bank account he managed. Those who met income targets received heroin, while those who fell short faced withdrawal symptoms.
During the ordeal, one woman suffered severe illness. Despite repeated pleas for medical attention, Anderson refused to take her to the hospital, resulting in her death from an untreated infection.
Latasha Anderson, Jermall Anderson’s cousin, was reported to have driven the women around while physically abusing them, instilling further fear. Witnesses noted her threats, including, “If you try anything, we’ll come and we’ll find you.”
Another co-conspirator, Fortier, also assisted in transporting the victims across New England. Court documents indicated that she would sometimes withhold money for food as a form of punishment, forcing the women to hide earnings to buy necessities.
The restitution ordered for Anderson will directly benefit the seven women, based on their accounts and evidence of the extent of his trafficking activities. Below are the individual restitution amounts:
- Survivor 1: $508,000
- Survivor 2: $40,000
- Survivor 3: $91,300
- Survivor 4: $252,000
- Survivor 5: $264,000
- Survivor 6: $10,000
- Survivor 7: $345,000
Anderson’s payments will be made monthly over a period of 20 years following the completion of his prison sentence or until the full amount of restitution is settled.
