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