Stonington Police ‘Diligence and Follow-up’ Helps Feds Crack Sex Trafficking Case

By Ellyn Santiago

Earlier this year, Samuel Rivera, 23, of Groton, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit sex trafficking of a minor. Now, his ex-wife, a Norwich woman who also pleaded guilty, has been sentenced to more than 6 years in federal prison for pimping a 16-year-old girl.  

Dana Rivera, also 23, will also serve seven years of supervised release, for sex trafficking of a minor.  

And as it turns out, Stonington Police, unknowingly at the time, though good police work, “diligence and follow-up” helped the FBI make the case against the Riveras.  

In June of 2011, SPD patrol got a tip about suspected prostitution activity at the then Ramada Inn. The officers staked out the hotel, and, according to court records, “located a prostitution customer who had come to an appointment…”  

“The officers had the customer text the prostitute he was there to meet, and he was instructed to proceed to the rear door. Officers found the defendant at the rear door, and then located (Samuel Rivera) attempting to ferry (the 16-year-old prostitute) out the side door of the hotel.”

SPD Capt. Jerry Desmond praised the patrol officers “excellent field work and follow-up.”  

“Both patrol and supervisors performed diligently and that work helped to establish the facts that would lead to” the successful prosecution of the Rivera couple.  

According to a press release from the US Attorney, the couple posted online ads, handled calls from prospective customers, booked hotel rooms, and transported the girl to and from prostitution calls in southeastern Connecticut, Rhode Island and New Hampshire. 

According to court records, in May and June 2011, the “minor victim saw approximately five or six customers a day.  The Rivera’s split the money the victim earned and gave none of it to the victim.”  

The prostitution activity took place in Mystic, Groton, New London and Niantic motel rooms as well as in Rhode Island and New Hampshire.  

Dana Rivera has been detained since her arrest on Nov. 5, 2012.  On Feb. 14 of this year she pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking. Her estranged husband  pleaded guilty to the same charge five days after. He is awaiting sentencing.  

The case was investigated by the FBI with the assistance of the Stonington Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David E. Novick.