Groton Man Sentenced in Sex Trafficking Case

Samuel Rivera, 23, of Groton, was sentenced Thursday by United States District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 78 months of imprisonment, followed by seven years of supervised release, for sex trafficking of a minor. 

Court documents and statements made in court, reveal that Rivera and his former wife, Dana Rivera, arranged for the prostitution of a 16-year-old girl.  The Riveras posted advertisements on the Internet, took calls of prospective customers, booked hotel rooms, and transported the minor victim to and from prostitution calls in southeastern Connecticut, Rhode Island and New Hampshire. 

Patch reported earlier that the prostitution activity took place in Mystic, Groton, New London and Niantic motel rooms as well as in Rhode Island and New Hampshire. 

In May and June 2011, the minor victim saw approximately five or six customers a day.  The Riveras split the money the victim earned and gave none of it to the victim. 

Samuel Rivera has been detained since his arrest on November 16, 2012.  On February 19, 2013, he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking. Dana Rivera pleaded guilty to the same charge and, on May 8, 2013, she was sentenced to 78 months of imprisonment and seven years of supervised release. 

This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Stonington Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David E. Novick.