Jeffers, who was arrested on June 27, is currently being held pending a detention hearing on July 8. Parker and Primo are scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court in Boston on July 8.

Smalls is awaiting trial in South Carolina and will be arraigned at a later date in Boston. Tyreik Reid is scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court in South Carolina for a detention hearing on July 10.

Authorities on Friday described the alleged sex trafficking ring as “horrifying.” The young victims were beaten, starved and forced to have sex “with many men.”

“For months, these victims endured the brutality and depravity allegedly perpetrated by these individuals,” said Special Agent Michael Krol of Homeland Security Investigations in New England in a statement. “While these arrests are an important step toward justice, we recognize that this is only the beginning of the three survivors' road to recovery.”

The case shows the reality of sex trafficking in local neighborhoods, Levy said.

“The allegations in this case are truly horrifying. A minor victim in this case was forced to have sex with many men in exchange for money. This young girl is somebody's daughter, she is somebody's granddaughter. It's hard to imagine more heinous conduct than what is laid out in these charges,” Levy said.

“Sex trafficking is not a far-off problem – it is happening right here in our neighborhood and often goes unnoticed or unreported,” Levy said.

All six defendants are accused of keeping all profits from the sex trafficking ring for their own financial gain and of keeping the victims – two of them were 16 and 17 years old – under control through threats and violence, Levy said.

The adult victim was allegedly trafficked throughout Massachusetts, Rhode Island and South Carolina.

According to court documents, between January and August 2023, Parker and Smalls worked together – with the help of Primo, Jeffers and Smalls' brothers Tre'sean Reid and Tyreik Reid – on a scheme to coerce one adult and two minor victims into commercial sex acts in Massachusetts and surrounding states for their sole financial benefit.

In early 2023, Parker allegedly contacted the adult victim and advised that she was homeless and needed a place to stay. After moving in with the victim, Parker and her boyfriend, Smalls, allegedly forced the victim to quit her job and begin engaging in commercial sex acts, Levy said.

Parker and Smalls allegedly forced the victim to sign a “profit-sharing agreement” that required the victim to “remain loyal and humble and stay focused.” After that, Parker and Smalls allegedly forced the victim to engage in commercial sex — they planned and coordinated commercial sex acts and set the prices — and pocketed all the profits, Levy said.

Prosecutors allege Parker used physical force, threats of violence and other threats to maintain control. In the spring of 2023, Parker traveled with the victim to South Carolina, where she continued sex trafficking the victim and pocketed all of the profits, prosecutors said.

After returning from South Carolina, Parker enlisted the help of Primo and Jeffers to smuggle the victim throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island, prosecutors said.

In July 2023, Parker introduced himself to a 16-year-old minor and allegedly forced her to have commercial sex, Levy said. To maintain control over the victim, Parker allegedly used physical force, threats of violence, alcohol, marijuana, starvation and sleep deprivation.

“Parker also allegedly beat the underage victim when she fell asleep because a customer could request her at any time,” Levy said.

“In one case, Parker allegedly withheld food from the minor victim for four to five days after failing to collect the full fee from a purchaser,” Levy said, adding that Parker was accused of regularly hitting and choking the minor victim and denying her necessary medical treatment.

In August 2023, Parker allegedly began trafficking a 17-year-old minor victim who had escaped from a residential home. It is alleged that Parker arranged for sex buyers for the minor victim, from whom Parker was to collect all of the profits. It is further alleged that Parker threatened to physically attack the minor victim if she did not work.

Krol of the Department of Homeland Security said his agency, in collaboration with law enforcement partners, is “committed to ensuring that all victims of human trafficking have access to the programs, services and resources they need for their future recovery and success.”

Levy said his office is working to bring justice to the victims.

“Our office relentlessly pursues individuals who cause such exploitation and suffering solely to line their own pockets. We use every tool at our disposal to hold perpetrators accountable and seek justice for every victim,” Levy said.

If you or someone you know may be affected or become a victim of commercial sex trafficking, you can contact [email protected].

The charge of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion carries a sentence of at least 15 years to life imprisonment, at least five years of probation to life probation, and a fine of $250,000.

The charge of sex trafficking of minors carries a sentence of at least ten years to life imprisonment, at least five years probation to life probation, and a fine of $250,000.

The charge of conspiracy to traffic in persons for sexual exploitation carries a sentence of up to life imprisonment, a minimum of five years' probation and up to life probation, and a fine of $250,000.

This is a developing story. Check back later for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News App for breaking news.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Þjórsárden. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW