Randolph is a city of approximately 32,000 residents, located about 10 miles south of Boston, in Norfolk County, Massachusetts. Prostitution and sex trafficking activity have been well-documented in the city and surrounding communities.  This activity and the problems and other serious crimes it generates (including child sex trafficking) results in complaints to law enforcement agencies from residents and businesses. For example, in August, 2017, police responded to a reported home invasion in Randolph, in which two masked individuals entered the home and fled with cash. However, after officers conducted a preliminary investigation, it was determined that the residents of the home were specifically targeted based on their suspected involvement in a prostitution scheme, and that the suspects and at least one of the victims may be known to each other. In 2015, 2016, and 2018 numerous individuals were indicted in a large scale sex trafficking operations with brothels in dozens of communities in eastern Massachusetts, including Randolph and nearby Quincy.

Consumer level demand provides the revenue stream for all prostitution and sex trafficking, and has been targeted by local law enforcement agencies as a strategy for prevention and response.  In at least one case a man was arrested for attempting to buy sex with a minor, and his identity disclosed by police in press releases. The arrest was the result of an incident reported to police, and was not the result of a proactive reverse sting. In June, 2018 the Randolph Police Department arrested a man who allegedly propositioned a 16-year-old girl, offering her money in exchange for sexual abuse. The incident happened at a bus stop on North Main Street. The girl quickly reported the incident to Randolph police.  She reported that while she was waiting for the bus, that man approached and began talking to her,  offering her cash in exchange for sexual acts, which she refused. He allegedly continued to pester her and ask her questions before she eventually walked away and attempted to cross the street; the suspect then walked back to his car and left the area. Using her cell phone, the victim took a photo of the man and provided it to police. Subsequent investigation led to the suspect’s identification, and he was arrested and charged with Engaging in Sexual Conduct for a Fee with a Child Under Age 18.  He was arraigned in Quincy District Court. The man’s identity was included in the police department’s press release.