Middletown Bible Study Group Not Linked To Sex Trafficking: PD

CROMWEL, CT — Police in Cromwell have confirmed that a Middletown Bible study group is not connected with a human/female sex trafficking ring following an investigation that was launched over posts on social media. Cromwell police were recently notified that female customers at Shop Rite and Stop & Shop were being “approached by a group of female church members attempting to solicit for Bible study.”

Police said recent social media posts raised concerns that this is a “scheme and may have a direct involvement with a human/female sex trafficking ring.”

“In order to complete our due diligence, Detective Pietraroia investigated these claims and determined this was not connected to a sex trafficking ring,” Cromwell Police Chief Denise Lamontage wrote in a news release. “As a result of the investigation, the group of females were subsequently identified and determined to be active members of the World Mission Society Church of God, located on Church Street in Middletown.

“Detective Pietraroia spoke with the church leaders who acknowledged that their members actively engage members of the community about participating in their Bible studies/organization. Typically, the female church members approach females within the community as they feel more comfortable for a conversation to take place.”

Pietraroia told church leaders that if their membership is soliciting a member of the community, they are to “move on if the person chooses not to interact or participate in a conversation about Bible study,” according to Lamontage.

“Stop & Shop and Shop Rite have been informed of the events taking place at their establishments,” Lamontage said. “The Cromwell Police Department encourages freedom of speech and/or religion. If you believe that a crime is being committed or have a concern with any future interactions, please call our dispatch center at the time of the occurrence at 860-635-2256 so that an officer can investigate the matter.”