Cambridge, Massachusetts – A 36-year-old man has been indicted on federal charges alleging he trafficked four women and attempted to traffic a fifth, with some of the alleged activity occurring in Maine. Daniel Rodriguez faces seven charges, including sex trafficking of a minor, according to prosecutors.
The indictment, announced Wednesday, details a years-long scheme allegedly spanning multiple states, including Florida, South Carolina, Tennessee, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Maine. Prosecutors allege Rodriguez forced the women into commercial sex acts from 2018 through January 2026. One of the alleged victims was a minor when the trafficking began, according to court documents.
The case gained momentum earlier this year when police attempted a traffic stop on Rodriguez on January 13, 2026, while he was allegedly transporting a victim to a hotel for the purpose of prostitution. According to prosecutors, Rodriguez fled the scene, leading officers on a high-speed chase exceeding 100 mph before crashing and abandoning the victim, who sustained injuries. Following the crash, Rodriguez allegedly arranged for an accomplice to pick up the victim from the hospital and continued to advertise her for commercial sex.
Details of the Alleged Trafficking Enterprise
The indictment outlines a pattern of coercion and control, with Rodriguez allegedly using physical violence, stalking, and fraud to compel the women to engage in commercial sex. Court documents specifically mention a 27-year-old woman who was allegedly trafficked throughout Massachusetts, Florida, South Carolina, Tennessee, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Maine, beginning in 2025. Prosecutors allege that when this victim attempted to exit Rodriguez in early January, he posed as a potential client to locate her and forced her to return to Boston.
Rodriguez was ultimately arrested in Middleboro, Massachusetts, on January 14, 2026, on a state arrest warrant issued by the Quincy District Court. He remains in state custody pending his arraignment in federal court. The U.S. Department of Justice confirmed the indictment on Friday, March 18, 2026, according to a press release.
Potential Penalties
The charges against Rodriguez carry significant penalties. The sex trafficking of a minor carries a minimum mandatory sentence of 10 years in prison, with a potential life sentence, and a fine of up to $250,000. The charges of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, and attempted sex trafficking, each carry a minimum mandatory sentence of 15 years in prison, with a potential life sentence, and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of coercing someone to travel for the purpose of prostitution carries a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
The Investigation and Arrest
The investigation involved multiple law enforcement agencies, and the details of the chase and subsequent arrest paint a picture of desperate flight. Prosecutors stated that Rodriguez blamed the victim for the initial traffic stop and yelled at her during the pursuit. The fact that he allegedly attempted to continue profiting from the victim even after she was injured in the crash underscores the severity of the allegations.
Authorities have not released the names of the victims to protect their privacy. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death of the victim injured during the chase, as reported by WMTW.
The case highlights the ongoing challenges in combating human trafficking, a crime that often operates in the shadows and exploits vulnerable individuals. The Department of Justice provides resources and support for victims of human trafficking on its website.
Rodriguez is expected to be arraigned in federal court in the coming weeks. The date of the arraignment has not yet been set. Further updates will be provided as the case progresses.
If you or someone you know needs help, you can contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or visit https://humantraffickinghotline.org/.
Share this story and help raise awareness about the devastating impact of human trafficking. Your comments and insights are welcome below.
