Website was just seized by the police. Anyone have any more info on this?

I always though that they might get away with their business by only speaking korean with the escorts, making it hard to crack their identity. However, with a paper trail of rented apartments and collecting money from the escorts, they probably were easy to track down.

Three individuals were arrested by the Feds for allegedly helping to operate a high-end brothel network in MA and VA. More details coming at a press conference at the Federal Courthouse in Boston today.  

I'm surprised it took this long. Boston has numerous past kgirl agencies that got busted. Perhaps best to not risk it with the inevitable replacements that have and will pop up.

More info on BTT

Probably best to stay away or proceed with extreme caution w/ MAAngels. They can’t be far from either shutting down or getting busted as well.

http://www.maangels.net/ is down, but not showing the “seized” banner that displays when one visits http://bostontopten10.com

I had a feeling ever since BAD went down that I wasn't gonna dip my toes in BTT -- their MO were literally the same. Glad my intuition was right.  

Wow. I think it is the same that Feds investigated Chloe and Red.

CNN posted a link to the Court Affidavit.

It made National headlines  
This is a big deal……

Not seized but gone.

https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/24136515-affidavit-in-brothel-ring-case
https://www.cnn.com/2023/11/08/politics/high-end-brothel-network-arrests/index.html

This is the best site for info, especially since it has the full affidavit attached. Which is chokful of info and even has dl pics.

I don’t think they were arresting them. The document notes they were tracking movements of guys going into the target apartments and leaving after an hour, then approaching them.

If the buyers are offered immunity for the testimony they don't really have much of an alternative but testify in front of a grand jury. From what I have been told a similar thing happened in the Emperor's Club VIP case of Elliot Spitzer fame. Workers and Clients are given immunity to testify against the managers and owners.

Names, dates, driver's licenses, credit cards, employment records, job titles.  

wonder if LE will go after clients and or publish names and numbers?

Yea and so when they were approached - hopefully not while the clients were in a motor vehicle - they should never have talked to the cops. In California no one even has to identify themselves to cops if they aren't under arrest.

I almost took the plunge...I'm glad in this case that I am a procrastinator! I loved reading all of the great reviews.

As the prophet Carlin said, "Selling is legal, fucking is legal, so why isn't selling fucking legal?"

That'll be a lot of tax payer money wasted handing out MISDEMEANORS

Since CC was busted.. i haven't worked with any agency.  
It's only a matter of time. Low hanging fruit for LEO.

If I were approached by a cop on the way out:

CNN lol This is getting crazy ))

I heard this morning on CNN that one of the things that Korean girls did was to spy on America with their military and government clients with top secret clearance.  

i  think you may have misunderstood CNN. I heard them say that LE is afraid some of the girls MIGHT black mail the men to get government secrets.  They also mentioned the girls being COERCED.   This is all bullshit aimed at keeping people thinking their all coerced  because most americans believe this bs.
When is the last time any of you were black mailed  or attempted black mail by an escort that has been reviewed

Quoting a news article

only see well reviewed and legit independent providers - and support them regularly!  best times I have had in the hobby are with those i saw regularly - really got to know them, no trafficking exposure, and its all good....everyone is happy

That may be, but they were talking of possible charges of espionage so... absurd you know. CherryDD uses her DDs to get all you know of Los Alamos. I mean... yeah.

Don't they also have to catch you in the act?

Blackmailed not too long ago frankly.. by a well reviewed escort.. now labeled as a rip off

yes

Looks like KGFE is scared as their website is locked down

Due to this event, I would like to address some concerns and issues.  I know some of you might be afraid to get back into seeing a provider or a provider from an agency.  

I noticed in the television news reports that they also showed the P411 website. Should P411 members be concerned?

So I am wondering, how has BI managed to never get busted?

They are outside of the jurisdiction of the US

Here are the measures I implemented to protect my agency:

P411 has been known to cooperate with LE in the past. And there is little to no doubt that those cooperating are giving up their credentials in exchange for freedom. I would not be surprised if providers located or touring the NE Corridor who  allow P411 as the sole method for screening to either 1) stop using it entirely for a while or 2) require more stringent screening for a long while.

And MAANGELS. I hope they return in some form or another.

It looks like they will onlt be going against those that they caught after escort visits. I don't think they can publish the whole list, since they have no proof that the other clients (like me) visited and partook of their services.
On the other hand, someone pointed out that in MA a client cannot be charged unless they are caught in the act. Maybe there are other charges they can bring.

So what pieces of information do you keep about your verified clients? Just the phone number?

Stop doom and glooming - agency busts happen and you will be fine if you don’t say anything

Just hoping they don't publicize the entire "Johns" list with photo's of ID's, etc...  That would cause some serious issues for a lot of us...

If one never used either of those agencies, and in fact has never worked with an agency, there is no reason to worry about any of this personally, right? Unfortunately I'm a naturally anxious person...even though I've never seen anyone in Boston nor Tyson's Corner.

The patrons of BTT might be a little nervous right now but it's unlikely even they have criminal exposure. You have nothing to worry about unless the Thought Police are working the case. LOL.

Way to go.

Oh yea, if I'd be you I'd be concerned big time! I used them so I'm not worried at all. Nothing is going to happen to me but if you haven't used BTT then...

There was another smaller Asian Escort site that immediately closed up shop here as well:  maangels.net . Sigh.  It may be the case that the feds knew about BostonTop10 for longer than they let on but basically kept it in their back pocket.  When you need to make a splash and make it look like you're doing your job, you bust the site and make it appear like you're out there fighting crime.  I can't prove that but it would explain why they were able to operate for so many years before anything happened.  

Mass & Cass, Housing Crisis, Gun Violence, Drug Addiction Crisis... and this is what the government puts effort and money into.  Al Capone was convicted and served time for tax evasion but no other crime.

But he didn't do anything but effed up on his tax returns. The rest are just legends lol

Maybe there are legends about Al cOpone, but Al cApone was Public Enemy No.1 for good reasons:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Al_Capone

Another version of Valentine's Day, Chicago 1929 ... Some Like It Hot!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BTEdWlZwQIY

A federal Homeland Security Investigations task force and the federal Boston US attorney's office are seeking state criminal charges against 28 men accused of buying sex from the now busted BTT agency. These individuals will be summoned to Cambridge District Court for hearings before a magistrate on whether there's probable cause to support criminal charges. If so, criminal referrals will be made to the Massachusetts Middlesex County district attorney's office.  What a nightmare for these unfortunate  individuals and what a waste of precious judicial resources.

Wow, I thought it was only a handful. Guess I can consider myself fortunate, very sorry for those in a bind. Stay away from agency no matter what they tell us.

Just to clarify these referrals are technically being done under the auspices of the Cambridge Police Department so blame them as much as the Federal US Attorney's Office.

There is additional reporting on this unfolding story. Officials at the Cambridge District Court have said that each of the 28 individuals will receive a summons to appear before a clerk magistrate for a private "show cause" hearing. Such hearings are typically closed to the public, however state law does allow petition for public access if the circumstances involve "special public significance" and the magistrate rules that legitimate public interest outweighs the accused's right of privacy. According to the reporting if the magistrate finds probable cause and approves the charges, then the person(s) would be arranged and the case would become public. What a nightmare.

According to the clerk magistrate of the Cambridge District Court, closed-door hearings to determine whether to charge 28 individuals accused of paying for sex will be open to the media. The nightmare continues.

Boston Globe and other outlets petitioned for the show cause hearings to be public...

Stay tuned. The magistrate will decide if there's probable cause to refer these matters to the Middlesex County DA for prosecution. Probable cause means it's more likely than not that a crime has been committed. Hopefully there's nothing inculpatory in the text messages from the 28 individuals or in any written or verbal statements they may have made to LE. Yet another reminder of why you should never put anything incriminating in a text message or e-mail or, under any circumstances, talk to LE.

So have the 28 people been notified yet?

I wonder how many divorces and one parent households making it public would trigger basically just for the eff of it. Instead of happy families you'd get at least 3 miserable people.

It's unclear if the notification process has started. If it hasn't, it will begin soon.

Clerk magistrates hearings allow for both defense lawyers and witnesses(such as say the actual providers working for Boston Top Ten). A savvy defense lawyer could make this a real circus for the police.

I think it's unlikely any BTT models will testify. I think the 'probable cause' case will hinge on testimony from law enforcement that includes incriminating text messages between BTT and clients and inculpatory statements made by clients to police. I think clients who made incriminating statements to law enforcement or to BTT via text will be the ones who are charged and convicted.  

Here is a link to the ruling from the Clerk Magistrate in Cambridge.  

I agree. I think the goal of the AUSA and HSI is to punish the clients if for no other reason than as a deterrent to others. If the District Court clerk magistrate finds sufficient probable cause with some or all of the 28 individuals, there will be public pressure on the Midlesex DA to prosecute these misdemeanors. Hopefully the DA's office will have more serious crimes to pursue than these trivial offenses.

Our lesbian Governor(and not because she's lesbian) will pass a bill that will legalize prostitution just like weed, just like gambling. Going forward we will need all the revenue we can get while hotel rooms are getting paid for by the commonwealth. And, just like taxes going up, you'll still get the same services with no updates or upgrades to said services for an exorbitant amount. They will be your dealer, your bookee and sooner or later your pimp. I am glad that I never did the BTT gauntlet of acceptance. I did run thru a short one for one of the others but never used them. Thankfully.

You lost me on the first sentence of your rant. Guess you have dislike against lesbians among other people. Happy Holidays.

Just goes to show you the value of not incriminating yourself if you get stopped by LE.

Exactly right. Remember this was a Homeland Security Investigations task force. An HSI officer could easily trick a client into confessing and disclosing his text messages because HSI "doesn't care" about prostitution ( that's a state crime after all ) because all HSI cares about is human trafficking and money laundering.  Don't be fooled.  

I love lesbians, they are quite enthusiastic if you know how to treat a woman.

I researched a little and it seems that BTT used the canned texts for all the guys listing all the services and their fee's.  So if the guy texted back "Ok, BBFS, $400..got it" I mean does that mean he's screwed?  In MA solicitation is up to 2 1/2 years in prison and/or up to a $5 grand fine.  I can't even imagine being paraded around in court on tv... wow...

In Massachusetts a misdemeanor is punishable by a sentence of no more than 2 1/2 years. However under MGL c.272 s.53A 'Engaging in sexual conduct for a fee' carries a maximum sentence of 1 year and/or a fine of $500. The essence of the law is that whoever engages or pays, agrees to engage or agrees to pay, or offers to engage or offers to pay for sexual conduct with another person in return for a fee has violated this statute. Does that hypothetical text exchange constitute an "agreement" would be an interesting legal argument. It's certainly an acknowledgement and an understanding, but at best it's a tacit agreement. I would like to hope that's not enough to convict because conviction requires guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Of course if you foolishly admittedly your quilt to law enforcement, then you have convicted yourself. You likely won't go to jail, but you will be fined and publically humiliated.

The last update I read here said that the Magistrate ruled that the probable cause hearings could be public, effectively outing the 28 mongers mentioned in the federal indictment. Any word on when those hearings are scheduled?

https://www.nbcboston.com/news/local/probable-cause-hearings-announced-for-alleged-clients-in-mass-brothel-bust-case/3237248/

I hope after these 28, it’ll all die down and just go away.

I believe the Governor will continue to pursue the agencies as much as possible.  She did a small victory lap when she busted Chloe’s operation, several years ago when she was the AG.  These type of busts make for candidates to brag about being tough on crime without actually focusing on real criminal problems.  

Received a complaint from Cambridge Court to appear. I'm Really shook up.
Please help with suggestions.

lawer up!

Get a laywer, at this point only they can help you

It has been reported that Boston attorney Ben Urbelis is representing some of those individuals who may be charged. You may want to start with him. This is not an endorsement of him just FYI. Good luck.

-- Modified on 1/8/2024 12:39:56 PM

What happened to the Chloe John’s? We’re there many that got prosecuted?

Have been scheduled for January 18, 19, and 22 at Cambridge District Court. If the magistrate finds probable cause, the names of those individuals will be disclosed and their cases referred to the Middlesex District Attorney's office for possible criminal prosecution. Stay tuned. This is going to get ugly.

The press will be at the hearings, so the possibility of these names going public are high even in the cases where probable cause isn’t found and charges aren’t forwarded to the DA.

There are a lot of lawyers in the Boston area that, can’t hurt to make calls to multiple ones to get a sense of availability.

-- Modified on 1/10/2024 5:16:43 PM

That type of speculation is unwarranted, unlikely, and unhelpful.  Stick to the P&R board where speculation and distain for the mainstream media is currency.  

It’s not speculation. Several local outlets won the right to be at the probable cause hearings.

We all know that the probable cause hearings are open to the public and that the press will be in attendance. However it is pure conjecture on your part that the names of individuals, where no probable cause is found, will be made public by the press. If there's no probable cause found there's no news story value in disclosing their identities. This is a very stressful time for these 28 unfortunate individuals. Let's not give them more to be anxious about.

They do read out a person's name - but beyond that, the pedigree information isn't public unless they find probable cause and those documents get processed and made public in 2/3 days.

Correct. If there's been no arrest and no finding of probable cause there is no journalistic or societal  value in publishing a name. Such individuals are not accused of wrongdoing and reporting their names would likely result in litigation against the media.

The plot thickens  

One consequence of this action by the media is that by delaying the process it actually make it slightly less likely that any probably cause will be found in the cases and/or they ever go to arraignment and trial. Time is on the side of the defendants to the extent any of the cases rely on eyewitness testimony.

So here's what is happening.  WBUR and the Boston Globe jointly petitioned the Supreme Judicial Court requesting release of the documents that identify the 28 individuals facing probable cause hearings. Presumably the media would then make those names public. Ugh. Lawyers for 13 of the 28 individuals, the clerk-magistrate of the Cambridge District Court, and the Association of Magistrates and Trial-Clerks have filed objections to disclosing those 'applications for criminal complaints' that identify the 28 individuals. Further, defense lawyers have argued to the SJC that the probable cause hearings should be kept private. As one defense attorney has opined public hearings are "All about public humiliation and shaming. I think that is wrong". I agree. The probable cause hearings are delayed until the SJC makes determinations. Let's all hope that the privacy of these unfortunate individuals is maintained at least until such time as probable cause is adjudicated. Personally, I think names should not be publicly disclosed, even if probable cause is found, until the individuals are actually arrested and formally charged and hopefully that will never happen.

-- Modified on 1/18/2024 3:40:07 AM

i believe the statute of limitations for charging solicitation in MA is one year, so presumably the 28 clients they're targeting were more recent customers.  if someone did business with BTT back in 2022, i assume they're in the clear.
.
one thing we should all keep in mind:  people are routinely convicted of crimes based on nothing more than circumstantial evidence.  a smoking gun isn't absolutely necessary.  if prosecutors have text messages between you and a known prostitution organization arranging an appointment with a specific girl at a specific date/time for a specific donation, judges and juries are allowed to make common sensical inferences.  if you followed up your appointment with a text saying, "she was great," or anything along those lines, that's evidence you followed through with appointment.
.

The way the statute is written the act of soliciting sex for a fee is a violation regardless of whether sex took place or not. I think the text messages could be extremely problematic for a defendant depending on what specifics were exchanged. Unfortunately, because of the high-profile nature of this case, the county District Attorney's office might be more likely to pursue charges because the public spotlight is shining brightly on them. Depending on how a defendant is charged under the statute, the maximum jail penalty is either 1 year or 2 1/2 years so the stakes are high.

Somebody on the different forum asking if any of the BTT girls got in trouble. I haven't heard anything about this. Anyone?

If it was trafficking they were "rescued"!!!

-- Modified on 1/20/2024 1:58:17 AM

Correct.  They will not be prosecuted. The government sees them as victims. They may be deported or they may be given a special T visa and assist in the prosecution of the traffickers. This will also place them on an accelerated path to obtaining a green card if that is their goal.

Obviously there are no guarantees or absolute certainties when it comes to these matters. Each case is unique as are the laws and criminal enforcement culture in each state. I can't speak to places like Texas and Kansas circa 2016 but in 2024 in Massachusetts the emphasis is to protect, not to criminalize, the women who are considered the victims of trafficking. I fully expect the women will not face prosecution.  I wish I was as sanguine for the 28 men caught up in this legal morass.

Used to be a regular client, but stopped a good while ago, when they started offering 'BB Services'.

The same person who asked the question just posted 'I just got a text from one of maangels girls: "I heard the woman no problem". I guess that solves that.'

Good decision. While I was very tempted, I thought a high-volume, electronic record keeping agency at upscale residential locations was too visible, potentially too vulnerable, and way too risky. I guess we were both right ... or lucky.

-- Modified on 1/21/2024 12:08:53 PM

A slew of motions were filed yesterday to the SJC by attorneys for the 28 individuals facing public probable cause hearings. Let's hope these individuals' privacy rights are protected against what one lawyer described as "unwarranted humiliation and embarrassment."

Even though the complaints/summons have been sent out, I still have this overarching fear that somehow mine got sent to the wrong address or was lost by the mailman. Not that I ever want the names of those to be publicly released for reasons we’ve all discussed, I just don’t know if there’s anything until those who do get charged to be known until I breathe a true sigh of relief (for now, assuming there are no more future charges). Obviously I’m not a lawyer, but don’t know what happens and if somehow it did get lost in the mail and all of a sudden I’m not present for the hearing when it happens.

Were you stopped by HSI Agents when leaving or entering a BTT appointment?  

Your question is not dumb. Your anxiety level is high which is understandable.  An important legal document like a notice to appear at a probable cause hearing should be delivered in person by a constable or process server, or, at the very least, via USPS registered or certified mail that requires signature upon receipt.  

Just echoing what was said  

clerk/magistrate ( Sharon Shelter Casey ) to provide a factual legal basis for her decision to hold public probable cause  hearings.  Specifically, she has been questioned about what the public interest is in opening the hearings and how she balanced that against the privacy rights of the 28 individuals.  Justice Graziano wrote that Casey made "conflicting orders" given that she cited public interest to open the hearings but that individuals' privacy rights kept the applications for complaints private. Casey has until this Friday to respond. It's always difficult to predict judicial outcomes, but I remain hopeful that the decision to open the hearings to the public will be overturned.

And all these guys that were stopped coming out of those apartments could have avoided all of this by saying “ am I. Ring detained or am I free to go”.
And always remember. In Massachusetts, if you are walking down the sidewalk, you do not have to show ID if asked. Only if you’re lawfully arrested do you have to ID. Some states require to show an ID if they have reasonable, articulable suspicion a crime has been committed, is being committed, or about to be committed. Not in Mass. They have to have you actually under arrest for a crime before you are required to ID.  
Again, I don’t answer questions, am I free to go?

If they wait until you are in your car, then Massachusetts law leans towards protecting the right of persons to remain silent and to maintain their privacy, with only one notable exception. Only the drivers of vehicles are legally required to provide their names and driver's licenses to police upon request.

That’s sound advice, but my guess is the pucker factor kicks in when a federal agent flashes a badge in your face.

Don't carry any ID with you when you entered the apartment. Parked at least a block away from the building so they don't know if you have a car. If possible, when leaving, try to exit using a different entrance. Many apartment complex have multiple exit doors allowing you to leave the building.  Many buildings have security camera at the main entrance or elevator, but rarely has camera monitoring each apartment door. If you entered the building and exited the building using the same main entrance, most likely your activity using the door will be captured.  

The best way is to avoid potential encounter. They probably won't stop you when you enter the building. But more likely they watch you enter the building, and wait when you exit the building and then stop you. If possible, try to find a different exit door. Some apartment buildings have exit door on the other side of main entrance. So if they are waiting for you to come out, and if you exit on the other side, and if your car is blocks away, they may never be able to find you.

You bring up an excellent point that is worth repeating. If you enter an apartment building or hotel through the main entrance and elevator exit via a stairwell and side/back door. Mask up too to hide your face. You never know who is watching.

Stop cheating on your wives and you'll have nothing to worry about. Unless they catch you actually in the act or solicitation, they have nothing, unless you are stupid enough you tell them you were having your dick sucked.

The statute is violated if you solicit sex for a fee even if sex doesn't happen. Text messages that memorialize such a request can be introduced as evidence of solicitation. Expect that defense attorneys to file motions in limine to have that evidence excluded, but if the texts are legally obtained, probative, and authenticated they can be entered into evidence.

-- Modified on 1/30/2024 5:05:31 AM

While I hear what you are saying being convicted in the public eye is more damaging than the actual conviction in this case.  

I see them as equally undesirable outcomes. So unnecessary. All because we live in a puritanical country. This is a non-issue in most of the world.

will be open to the public according to a ruling by Justice Graziano of the SJC. That's disappointing. I don't know if an appeal to the full court is an option.

This ruling does nothing to protect the identify of the 28 individuals before probable cause is determined.  It leaves the original decision of the clerk magistrate unchanged - to open the probable cause hearings to the press but to not release the actual show cause application documents. In my opinion, the public doesn't need to know anything until someone is actually charged and arrested.

14 of the 28 alleged sex buyers have filed an appeal of the decision of a single SJC justice to hold public probable cause hearings. The hearings are stayed as the court considers the appeal. State law limits a full SJC appeal to cases where the single justice may have abused his discretion in the way he crafted his decision so a full court review seems unlikely. Stay tuned and watch this space.

One could argue the he did abuse his power as there isn’t a clear need for the public to attend.  The fact that the original three were not charged with human trafficking should have resulted in the hearings being closed. That deflates the narrative.  The public can know when someone is charged as they always do.  They know exactly what will happen to these individuals.  This seems to about their 5 minutes of fame.  Doesn’t matter whose lives are ruined in the process.

Just as nature abhors a vacuum, so do entrepreneurs abhor not making a buck at a the world's oldest profession.  Geishastyles does do one thing that the others didn't, they stick with hotels. It makes it much harder for cops to do a stake out at a hotel, which is what kind of did in Boston Top Ten.   They staked out the apartment buildings.  Not nearly the traffic of a hotel. Anyway, they're the new king of the Asian hill.  

Why does the level of traffic make it harder to stake out a hotel? Hotels have cameras, databases, staff who assist with surveillance.  In general, k agencies will always be risky around Boston, no matter what they do.  Too many past busts  

They'd be outcall only.

They may have filled the void left behind by BTT but they are definitely gouging the market
as they have no competition to speak of.

Well, Kimmy (formerly from MAAngels) is scheduled to start on Wednesday at Boston International so if things work out for her and the agency sky is the limit.

Does any know if BI is k girl friendly?

Seemed like this was on the fast track to parade the Johns in the press… all sorts of hearings and press coverage…. Now radio silent. Anyone hear anything?

The motion for public hearing was tabled. They will hear arguments in September of this year whether or not the initial hearings to establish probably cause will be public or private. I would guess that would mean maybe the hearings are scheduled by end of year, maybe early next year. Also curious what it means for future cases after the first 18 are settled or taken to court, etc. Seems like this is going into next year and maybe by then the public interest is far lower.

The case is being brought to the State Supreme Court:

I wonder what else is going on.

Looks like sentencing is scheduled for the leaders on December 20 according to the article. TBD as far as their customer list goes.

They couldn’t possibly release information on Contacts or customer lists, correct?  I would think names would only be released if additional people are charged.

All of your questions have already been answered before in this very long and cumbersome thread. That said, here’s the short answer version.

Thank you for clarifying.

https://www.mass.gov/doc/trustees-of...13551/download

is to stay away from agencies.

I wasn’t able to get to the ruling via the link posted above.

Have been set for March 14, 21, and 28 in Cambridge District Court for the unfortunate 28 men accused of soliciting sex. Their identities will be publicly disclosed at the time of the hearings.

These hearings will be open to the public, including the media, so identification of the 28 is likely to become known. That's why the hearings should be private - unfortunately the SJC disagreed with the need to protect the privacy of the 28.

-- Modified on 1/30/2025 8:45:27 AM

The clerk magistrate has reported that copies of actual criminal complaints will only be available to the public IF probable cause is found. However, the names of the accused must be disclosed in court at the time of the hearings that are open to the public. The names (and possibly photos) of the 28 men could certainly be leaked to the public by the local media who will, no doubt, be covering the hearings.  This could be a real media circus.

There was a hearing on Friday, March 13. I don't think I can post a link but here are excerpts from one of many articles:
.
"The names of twelve of the alleged clients facing criminal charges in a high-end brothel bust in Massachusetts were read aloud in Cambridge District Court on Friday [March 13, 2025]. There are 28 alleged johns connected to a sex ring that was run out of upscale apartment buildings in Cambridge, Dedham and Watertown, as well as Virginia. Authorities say it catered to "wealthy and well-connected" customers.
.
"They are doctors, they are lawyers, they're accountants, they are executives at high-tech companies, pharmaceutical companies, they're military officers, government contractors, professors, scientists," [a] former U.S. attorney for Massachusetts said at the time of the bust in November 2023. There were no elected officials on the ***first*** list, but there is a pharmaceutical CEO, a dentist, and finance executive.  Of the 12 men with hearings Friday, two actually showed up, six sent just their lawyers and four did not attend at all. ..."
.
"The 12 men will be arraigned in May on the criminal charges. Twelve more alleged johns [there might be pols and other big wigs in this group or among the final 4] will be in court next Friday for more probable cause hearings. ..."
.
"More than a dozen of the [28] alleged clients fought to remain anonymous.  "They will undoubtedly lose their jobs, lose their professions and have their lives ripped apart," attorney [name of atty], representing five alleged brothel clients, argued before the Supreme Judicial Court. But the high court ruled that the media will have access to preliminary court hearings for the alleged clients, siding with the clerk-magistrate who said the "legitimate public interest" in the case outweighed the defendants' privacy rights. The magistrate will decide Friday whether some of the alleged johns will face charges. ... "

There are also Probable Cause hearings scheduled for March 21 and 28th for the remainder of the 28 gentlemen.  

With a lawyer, instead of those poor hobbyists attending the hearing their lawyer would be doing the honors instead, and defendants' faces wouldn't be splashed across the mass media. That means that as long as they don't have highly unusual names nobody would know which John Smith or Jimmy Wu it is.  

The 28 guys were split into three tranches for the probable cause hearings: 12, 12, and 4. March 14 was the first 12, NAMES released to the public. I am guessing that the next 12 (March 21) and last 4 (March 28) will also have their NAMES made public, as well, although lawyers are still fighting it.  
.
While they can avoid mass public exposure by staying away from the hearing and letting their lawyers rep them, some of them are in positions where there will be consequences, even if behind closed doors. Some might be fired or be asked to resign from their high visibility jobs. Spouses will know which John Smith or Jimmy Wu it is and might exploit the situation by filing for divorce (and a big settlement) or getting a pre-nup bumped up.  
.
John Smith the indy mechanic or plumber or biz man might lose (or gain!) a few customers after 15 seconds of TV news and be forgotten. John Smith the K-12 public school janitor with 3 minutes of TV news will be gone so he can't be a bad influence on the students (and be forever remembered in that school's history!). John Smith the government official will be a hot news item for several days and will put his politicking skills to the test.

I think you might be right in some cases but I know that some of those that lawyered up were able to avoid public exposure due to having pretty generic names. How many John Smiths or Jimmy Wus are out there? Right.  

Some of the reports also named the towns they lived in.  That might make identification by spouses, employers, etc. much easier.

Do you think Jimmy's theatrics would work here?

For sure but it would still be worth it to get a lawyer if you're concerned about getting exposed imho.

I watched the first hearing online. It was disclosed that there were 2800 gentlemen who were in text contact with BTT. The 28 who will be charged with solicitation were the most frequent of those - with 400 or more text messages to BTT.  

To clarify the 400 text cut off is the number of text messages to and from BTT.

So…did they also approach these guys as they were leaving appointments?  Or did they make arrests just based on text records and possibly video surveillance?

From what I heard there was one gentleman in the first group of 12 who was approached as he left the building. The others were identified based on text messages and building video surveillance tapes.  The time frame for the text messaging (to and from BTT) appears to be between 1/1/23 and 10/16/23.  One defendant had 1066 messages during that period according the Cambridge police officer who was questioned by the defendant's lawyer.

That’s some frightening shit. So would Google voice have prevented them getting identified? Or do you need a full on separate burner phone?

It's pretty much inevitable that their families will find out. The ironic thing is, going to see a sw is fairly common in Asia (where many of these women are sourced from) and it's seen as a legit job, not some shady thing that needs to be used to drag people through the mud. Most women in Japan don't even view prostitution as cheating. Total night and day from this sh*tshow.

Is there any sort of statute of limitations / are they able to arrest more or that's it for BTT?

I believe the statute of limitations is 6 years. So yes there may be additional arrests if the prosecution is successful in convicting the first 28 gentlemen.

On the subject of convictions the prosecutor has to prove not that sex happened or that money was exchanged but only that sex was solicited by the gentlemen. Assuming the women will not be testifying for the prosecution and the gentlemen's text messages are not self-incriminating,  I think the best defense is that the defendants were paying for the model's time only - for a massage, for a photo shoot, or voyeurism. Now that may strain credulity but all you need is to create reasonable doubt in the mind of one juror to result in a mistrial.  

Boston Top Ten had a comprehensive screening process requiring photograph of client holding their drivers license, so expect little "wiggle room" based on having  common name.

At least 10 names were released on March 21. One of the clients identified publicly serves on the Cambridge City Council.

I just read Google’s privacy notice regarding Google voice.  
“Google will provide information about Google Voice accounts and data (including call records, text messages, and voicemails) if presented with a valid subpoena or court order.“

FYI. Local media is reporting that one of the gentlemen exchanged 501 texts with BTT and arranged 11 appointments.  Another arranged 13 appointments while exchanging 432 text messages between February and September of 2023.

-- Modified on 3/25/2025 2:10:13 AM

Good find. Seems like there was a threshold. 432 text exchanges isn't that much when you think about it. A lot of back and forth in the screening and arranging of the appointments. Scary stuff

I believe the cutoff on texts was a minimum of 400 from what I have read.

That's what's been reported. The 28 gentlemen who were charged had 400 or more text messages - back and forth - with BTT in 2023. Seems like a lot of texting consider one gentleman had 501 texts and  only 11 appointments and another had 432 texts and only 13 appointments.  

-- Modified on 3/25/2025 9:25:11 AM

Somewhere else a person posted that the text messages were all in 2023- so anything prior doesn't seem to be included in any of their investigations for these 28 being charged. Or for other clients perhaps.

I think that's correct. From what I gather the 28 selected for prosecution was arbitrarily based on 400 or more text messages to and from BTT from 1/1/23 to November 2023 when BTT was raided. Evidently BTT had 2800 client contacts on its business phone. Trying to bring charges against 2800 gentlemen would be next to impossible.

They probably can't match up the video with the text/appointment arrangements because it was before the investigation and there was no video. At least they figured THAT was flimsy evidence.

The Cambridge police were able to match the apartment building's surveillance video with the text messages that indicated a gentleman was entering and exiting the building and apartment.  What happened inside the apartment is undocumented and that's the greatest flaw in the state's case.

People have different texting habits and practices.  
Monger-A: 1. I'm on my way. ... 4. Almost there. ... 7. I'm close by, looking for parking. ... 12. Had to park down the street. ... 18. Almost there, 5 minutes. ... 23. I forgot the code. Please resend. ... 25. I'm in. Heading upstairs. ... 29. Thanks! ... 33. Hope to see you again soon. ... ... ...  
versus
Monger-B: 1. I'm ringing the bell now. That's me. ... ... ... 2. Thanks!
.
Monger-A, arrested? Monger-B, free?

It seems like, hopefully, they’re gonna stop with just these 28…

by getting rid of guys who suck up their time writing 50 texts just to land one appointment.

The biggest lesson out of all of this should be that more of these busts will come, especially with the onset of AI and digital surveillance, and they'll probably be more expansive next time when it comes to the clients. I'm not just talking about Boston, but everywhere in the US. The 4th Amendment is obsolete now and Big Brother will know exactly where you are at all times. I've definitely reassessed the level of risk I'm willing to appetite due to this. It's become a not so good country to monger in, if it ever was...

This is really fucking depressing

Basing who gets charged on the number of text messages is just dumb. Hopefully the county DA will not prosecute with the flimsy evidence that was presented at the probable cause hearings.

Don't worry, the way they are going bostontemptations are bound to provide Cambridge ADAs with some employment opportunities sooner rather than later. They're doing the same thing as both BAD and BTT did and in the same area to boot, as though inviting LE to go along the road well travelled. Some people just never learn.

Look on the bright side - you save a lot of money and, if single, can leave and venture to places that are nicer than the US.

The number if gentlemen being referred to the DA for criminal charges is now up to 32. It's unclear why another 4 are being subjected to this fiasco.

And now the count is 34 gentlemen who will be referred to the DA for criminal prosecution. I hope each and every one of them is found not guilty.  

Now there listing DOB and one was born in 49

Seems that would be hard to prove without anyone admitting an illegal act

Trying to put the pieces together. Originnally it was thought the johns were approached and admitted acts. Now we think LE went to the phone carrier and subpoenaed their text messages. Any john with over 400 text they identified them through video survalliance and they were cited with warrants.

they're as good as gone.

Not a "legal eagle" but I've been around enough of them. A lot to unpack here.  

There is no evidence to prove what they did in the room. They could just say they had a nude massage which I don't think it's illegal.

If they drop charges or lose the trial, the men can likely sue the state for personal and financial damages to their reputation. While it's always a slippery slope going up against any government, it can be done. They probably do some sort of plea deal, and that's a shame because if this went to trial, they could force the state's hand by calling the women to testify; most of them are likely long gone by now and would refuse to stand.  

The 34 gentlemen cannot sue the state for damages. The police, the clerk magistrate, and DA cannot be sued for doing their jobs in prosecuting defendants in accordance with the law.  I don't see how a plea to a lesser charge could possibly be an option. Solicitation of prostitution is already a misdemeanor. There's no lesser charge that I know of. The DA doesn't need to call the women to testify and won't.  The DA must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendants solicited sex. Money doesn't need to have change hands and sex doesn't need to have happened.  The DA can place the gentlemen at the scene and has text messages that support the appointments. What they don't seem to have are the gentlemen overtly soliciting sex - just time for a fee. I think a jury would not convict unless other text messages from the gentlemen are actually self-incriminating. This is a weak case and the DA should decline to prosecute. The deterrent value has already been accomplished by the government and the lives of the 34 gentlemen have already been ruined. Enough already.

-- Modified on 3/31/2025 1:07:22 AM

They clearly screwed up when they were texting back and forth. Also seems like the booker was totally careless in giving out too much information. Just a total shitshow all around

True however it's a crime to solicit sex for a fee. As long as the gentlemen's text messages are not self-incriminating the state doesn't have a strong enough case to convict and no charges should be brought by the DA. However explicit text messages by BTT could be problematic depending upon how a gentleman responded.

Maybe this is another way that they choose the John’s.

I think agreement to a higher priced option is problematic for the gentlemen.  

Not legal either but from listening to a few of the hearing it seems nearly all the suspects were using a phone number that was registered to them or could be traced to them via subpoena to the service provider. That seems to allow LE to cross reference to the RMV (DL) picture that was then compared with the surveillance tape. That allowed LE to put the person going into and leaving the apartment at times that aligned well with the scheduling dates and times from the phone message logs.

And the other interesting aspect to note here is that initially the affidavit indicated a similar number of customers that were "interviewed" prior to the actual agency bust. Apparently a large number of those guys talked with the federal authorities and seem seem to be absent from the local charges even after confessing. Something to ponder.

I would never trust p411 to verify potential new friends because they have never done criminal background checks for our safety. Vetting is essential to us independent providers. I have never trusted an okay from a provider that I did not know personally. I always thought it was cool to know providers & hobbyist personally because word of mouth referrals from personal friends are the absolute best.

Curious how to find the affidavit?

What affidavit are you referring to? As far as I can tell at least one, and perhaps only one, of the 34 gentlemen charged by Cambridge police was questioned by LE after exiting the building. That one gentleman did not incriminate himself but was charged like the other 33 because of the volume of text messages. Had Cambridge police only charged those who may have foolishly incriminated themselves, either by their verbal statements or in text messages, that would be on those gentlemen. Charging based on volume of texts is stupid and will likely backfire on the prosecutor if charges are not dropped.

Does the state of Mass have an assignation law? In NC merely being in a place for the purpose or setting up a meeting without any proof of the act happened can get you charged with assignation for the purpose of prostitution.

That's not the law in Massachusetts but it appears that's what the  Cambridge police want it to be. Here it's solicitation for a fee by the defendants that the state has to prove beyond a reasonable doubt.  

You can just search on 'Federal Affidavit Boston Brothel', top link for me was a link to the PDF file - which just saves the file by default for me. The link below has a link near the bottom to the affidavit.

Of the 34 gentlemen charged by Cambridge police all but one ( the Cambridge city counselor ) have agreed to accept a deal of pre-trial probation for 9 months (during which time they cannot contact sex workers),  24 hours of community service, a one day class on the impact of prostitution on communities, and a $2,000 court fee that will be paid to organizations focused on human trafficking prevention. If the defendants successfully follow the terms of the agreement, charges will be dismissed. I think this is an excellent resolution of the charges against these unfortunate gentlemen whose lives were upended because of our puritanical laws.

No one was charged with trafficking in this case. Not even the 3 people who ran the agency. I think the pre-trial probation agreement is a reasonable resolution at this point for the clients. It'll be interesting to see if the Cambridge city counselor is willing to roll the dice at trial or agrees to a separate plea deal.

Nothing too big, as expected. The biggest impact to customers already has happened - their names becoming public and many losing their jobs and reputation in their community as a result.  

It's good that the charges will be dropped and that has a positive implication for their future public records.  

I think you made them do it. Just imho.

Even though this is a good outcome at this point for the gentlemen, it's sad that we live in such a backward, puritanical country where we have more incarcerated citizens, per capita, than any other country on the planet. These men - all decent, contributing members of society - were put through the legal wringer and faced jail time for what?  Their careers, reputations, and relationships were damaged for what? I believe in the rule of law, but not in laws where no harm is done. Prostitution must be decriminalize like it is in most of the world.

A reminder - as per affidavit, the whole investigation was tipped off by an informant woman who was incarcerated. She is the one who pointed to the owner and I think (not 100% sure now and too lazy to reread) the lease guy.

Thank you Jazzman for your frequent, informed updates throughout this case.   Your insights have been very helpful and appreciated!

The sad thing is that this would have been the same result, even if it wasn't public.

I think that's exactly right.  What the state has put these gentlemen through is unconscionable.