Man Faces Life in Prison in Sex Trafficking Case

WETHERSFIELD, — An investigation that included Wethersfield police has resulted in a guilty plea and possible life sentence for sex trafficking, a leading prosecutor said.

John H. Durham, United States attorney for the District of Connecticut, announced Wednesday that Mohamed H. Abdi, 25, of Worcester, MA, who goes by the street name of “Vic,” pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton in New Haven to one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion.

According to court documents and statements made in court, between late December 2016 and Jan. 5, 2017, Abdi and his "girlfriend" used threats of force and coercion to cause a "female victim" to engage in prostitution.

Abdi and his girlfriend advertised the victim’s prostitution services on Backpage.com and other websites, rented Connecticut hotel rooms where the victim engaged in prostitution, and transported the victim to engage in sexual acts with customers at the hotels and private residences in Connecticut and elsewhere, according to Durham.

Abdi also provided the victim with heroin, but withheld the drug from the victim until after she provided sexual services to additional customers. Durham said.

ABDI and his girlfriend also made threats against the victim and her child if the victim reported them to law enforcement agents, Durham said.

Judge Arterton scheduled sentencing for June 27, at which time ABDI faces a maximum term of life in prison, Durham said.

ABDI has been detained since his arrest on related state charges on Jan. 5, 2017.

Photo Credit: Chris Dehnel