Man from Rhode Island Pleads Guilty to Sex Trafficking Across Seven State Lines
A Woonsocket, R.I. man pleaded guilty today to trafficking multiple victims to engage in prostitution across seven states.
Ronald Hall, 48, pleaded guilty to five counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion and one count of transportation of an individual with intent to engage in prostitution. U.S. District Court Judge Indira Talwani scheduled sentencing for Nov. 3, 2022. Hall was indicted by a federal grand jury in October 2020.
“The trauma inflicted upon victims of sex trafficking is beyond measure. For nearly a decade, Mr. Hall used violence and threats to target and exploit five separate victims across seven different states. This man targeted vulnerable women with substance use disorders and essentially enslaved them. The behavior he engaged in was unconscionable. Although nothing will ever erase the profound, long-lasting hurt and pain these women have suffered at the hands of Mr. Hall, today’s conviction hopefully brings some long-awaited justice and accountability,” said United States Attorney Rachael S. Rollins. “Identifying and prosecuting sex traffickers is one of my administration’s highest priorities. Last week, I formally announced the creation of the Civil Rights and Human Trafficking Unit in my office, which is dedicated to fighting civil rights violations including human trafficking, hate crimes, and the excessive use of force by law enforcement. Now fully staffed and operational, this Unit will focus on bringing an end to civil rights violations, including human trafficking activity, in Massachusetts and bringing justice and accountability to victims, their families and impacted communities.”
