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Boston woman charged in child sex trafficking investigation
Shakera “Stacks” Pina, 29, is facing multiple charges including human trafficking.
A Boston woman has been arrested and charged in connection with an investigation into sex trafficking and child exploitation in the city.
Shakera “Stacks” Pina, 29, was arrested on April 9 following an undercover operation, according to Boston police. She is charged with trafficking a person under 18 for sexual servitude, deriving support from prostitution, resisting arrest, and possession of a class D substance (marijuana) with intent to distribute.
She was arraigned the following day in Boston Municipal Court where she pleaded not guilty to all the charges, court filings show.
Pina’s arrest followed a sting operation where Boston detectives investigating sex trafficking and child exploitation responded to an advertisement for sex featuring photos of a child, police said. During a back and forth with the person who police believed was behind the listing, the investigators set up a meeting at a hotel to buy sex with the minor, the department said.
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At the hotel, police said the investigators received a call from the number associated with the ad, with the woman on the line saying she would be there soon. Police said she called again about 20 minutes later to confirm her arrival.
“Investigators met a 15-year-old girl at the hotel room and immediately identified themselves as law enforcement,” police said. “The child was transported to a local hospital for evaluation and care.”
Police learned the teen had been taken to the hotel by a woman known as “Stacks” who was allegedly waiting in a nearby vehicle.
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“Investigators located the vehicle and initiated a traffic stop,” police said. “Upon noticing law enforcement, the driver attempted to flee but was quickly stopped.”
The driver, later identified as Pina, allegedly attempted to destroy evidence in the vehicle while officers approached, ignoring verbal commands by investigators, police said.
She was arrested, and police said they found bags of marijuana, a scale, condoms, and money when they searched her vehicle.
Bail was set at $100,000 cash for Pina, according to court records. The conditions of her release include GPS monitoring, home confinement, and having no contact with individuals under the age of 18.
An attorney for Pina did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Boston police are asking anyone with information about human trafficking in the city to contact investigators at (617) 343-6533.
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