Report on Sentencing and Restitution in a Sex Trafficking Case

Overview of the Case

Jermall Anderson, 45, from Tewksbury, has been sentenced to 15 years in prison and ordered to pay over $1.5 million in restitution to victims he exploited through sex trafficking. The victims, primarily women addicted to crack cocaine, were trafficked across New England, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania.

Legal Proceedings and Charges

• Anderson pleaded guilty to:
  1. Seven counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion
  2. One count of coercion and enticement
  3. One count of interstate transportation for the purpose of prostitution
• Federal Judge Denise Casper ordered restitution totaling $1,510,300 to be paid to seven survivors.
• Anderson objected to a higher penalty of $1.8 million, arguing for inclusion of living and food expenses, but the court ruled the original calculation appropriate.

Details of Exploitation

• Victims worked most nights and approximately 20 days per month.
• Clients were charged $50 to $125 per 30 minutes, or $250 per hour.
• Women were expected to earn up to $600 daily, with some having between one and twenty encounters per day.
• Anderson targeted vulnerable individuals struggling with drug addiction, homelessness, and economic hardship.
• Recruitment occurred directly from detox and drug rehabilitation facilities.

Restitution Distribution

The restitution payments to the survivors, many of whom are currently in drug treatment programs, are as follows:

1. Survivor 1: $508,000
2. Survivor 2: $40,000
3. Survivor 3: $91,300
4. Survivor 4: $252,000
5. Survivor 5: $264,000
6. Survivor 6: $10,000
7. Survivor 7: $345,000

Implications for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

• SDG 5: Gender Equality – The sentencing addresses gender-based violence and exploitation, promoting the protection of women’s rights and safety.
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – By targeting victims struggling with addiction and facilitating their access to treatment programs, this case supports improved health outcomes.
• SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – Combating forced labor and exploitation aligns with promoting safe and fair employment opportunities.
• SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions – The strong legal response demonstrates commitment to justice, rule of law, and protection of vulnerable populations.
• SDG 1: No Poverty – Addressing economic vulnerabilities that traffickers exploit contributes to poverty reduction efforts.

Ongoing Restitution and Support

The collection of restitution will continue for 20 years following the completion of incarceration or until full payment is made. Authorities emphasize ongoing support for survivors, many of whom are engaged in recovery programs.

Contact Information for Assistance

If you or someone you know is affected by commercial sex trafficking, please contact: USAMA.VictimAssistance@usdoj.gov

Publication Details

Originally Published: June 27, 2025 at 5:34 PM EDT

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 5: Gender Equality – The article discusses the exploitation of women through sex trafficking, highlighting gender-based violence and discrimination.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The issue of forced labor and exploitation in the sex trade relates to promoting decent work and combating forced labor.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions – The legal actions, sentencing, and restitution ordered reflect efforts to promote justice, reduce violence, and strengthen institutions to combat crime.
4. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – The article mentions victims struggling with drug addiction and undergoing drug-treatment programs, linking to health and well-being concerns.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs

1. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • Target 5.2: Eliminate all forms of violence against all women and girls in public and private spheres, including trafficking and sexual exploitation.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.7: Take immediate and effective measures to eradicate forced labor, end modern slavery and human trafficking, and secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labor.
3. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Target 16.3: Promote the rule of law at the national and international levels and ensure equal access to justice for all.
   • Target 16.2: End abuse, exploitation, trafficking and all forms of violence against and torture of children (relevant as trafficking victims may include minors).
4. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicator for SDG 5.2: Number of victims of trafficking and sexual exploitation identified and receiving support services (implied by the restitution payments and victim assistance).
2. Indicator for SDG 8.7: Number of convictions for trafficking offenses and amount of restitution ordered (explicitly mentioned with the 15-year sentence and $1.5 million restitution).
3. Indicator for SDG 16.3: Number of legal actions taken against traffickers and enforcement of penalties (evidenced by the federal prosecution and sentencing).
4. Indicator for SDG 3.5: Number of victims enrolled in drug-treatment programs and receiving rehabilitation (implied by references to victims in drug-treatment programs and recruitment from detox centers).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: bostonherald.com