Jury Trial Begins Tuesday in Human Trafficking Case with Ties to Tewksbury

The trial of a Randolph man indicted in connection with human trafficking, rape and deriving support from prostitution is set to begin in Norfolk County Superior Court first thing Tuesday morning.

Ryan Duntin of Randolph was indicted by a Grand Jury in Oct. 2013 on charges of Trafficking of Persons for Sexual Servitude (2 counts), Conspiracy to Traffic Persons for Sexual Servitude (2 counts), Deriving Support from Prostitution (2 Counts), Rape and Failing to Register as a Sex Offender.

The Attorney General’s office began an investigation in July 2013 after the matter was referred by the Tewksbury Police Department. According to authorities, Duntin recruited women into prostitution and forced at least one of them to provide sexual services for a fee in hotels in several Massachusetts communities, namely Tewksbury and Braintree.

“We allege that this defendant recruited women into prostitution and forced at least one of them to engage in commercial sex, keeping the profits from this activity,” said former Attorney General Martha Coakley at the time of the indictment. “These charges remind us how crucial the human trafficking statute is so that we can now hold individuals accountable for this egregious behavior. This investigation was a collaborative effort between federal, state, and local authorities, and we thank the Tewksbury Police Department for their assistance in this case.”

Officials said Duntin allegedly posted or directed advertisements to be posted offering sexual services on websites known to advertise prostitution. Authorities allege he transported the women in his vehicle, harbored them in hotels, and monitored the money being earned, ultimately collecting the proceeds. He allegedly would frequently use violence and threats of violence.

Authorities also allege Duntin raped one of the women and used threats and violence to do so.

The investigation revealed that Duntin frequently posted or directed the posting of advertisements on websites offering sexual services at locations in other states including Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Maryland. Evidence indicates Duntin traveled up and down the East Coast, usually along the Rte. 95 corridor, and typically never spent more than one or two nights at a location.

Duntin allegedly failed to register as a sex offender by not providing the Sex Offender Registry Board with a secondary address. Authorities allege that Duntin traveled to other states and lived mostly in hotels, and did not disclose that to authorities.

Duntin was arrested on Sept. 23, 2013 on a warrant for a violation of probation by Warwick R.I. Police with assistance from Massachusetts State Police assigned to the AG’s Office, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Tewksbury Police Department.

“The Tewksbury Police Department recognizes the seriousness of these human trafficking crimes and is very appreciative of the collaboration that brought this matter to indictment,” said Tewksbury Police Chief Timothy Sheehan following the October, 2013 indictment. “We would like to thank AG Martha Coakley and her Office for their work in protecting these innocent victims and for bringing the perpetrator of these heinous crimes to justice.”