8 Arrested by RI State Police: Charges Include Child Sex Trafficking, Sexual Assault, and Drugs

8 Arrested by RI State Police: Charges Include Child Sex Trafficking, Sexual Assault, and Drugs

The Rhode Island State Police announced on Monday the arrest of eight individuals after an investigation into the alleged child sex trafficking and exploitation of a fourteen-year-old minor by the Special Victims Unit (SVU). 

 

"Child trafficking can happen in plain sight, which is why public awareness is so important. We encourage everyone to trust their instincts — if something doesn’t seem right, say something," said Major Kenneth Moriarty, Detective Commander, Rhode Island State Police. A simple phone call could help protect a child from exploitation and give law enforcement the information needed to intervene. Keeping our communities safe is a shared responsibility, and we urge the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity.”

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On Thursday, May 28, members of the Rhode Island State Police Special Victims Unit, along with members of the Major Crimes Unit, Violent Fugitive Task Force, Tactical Team, and Uniform Division, executed search warrants and arrest warrants at 282 Providence Street, West Warwick, Rhode Island, and 332 Manton Avenue, 2ndFloor, Providence, Rhode Island, to further the investigation.

 

As a result of this ongoing investigation, the following arrests have been made:

 

Heather Bessette, age 36, of Providence Street, West Warwick, was arrested on May 28, 2026, arraigned in 6th Division District Court, and held without bail as a bail violator. 

·     Trafficking of a Minor – Sexual Servitude

·     Conspiracy to Commit the Crime of Trafficking of a Minor – Sexual Servitude

·     Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor

·     Providing Schedule I/II to a Minor

·     Felony Assault with a Dangerous Weapon

·     Enticing a Minor to Leave Home

 

Kimberly Leo, age 22, of Manton Avenue, 2nd Floor, Providence, was arrested on May 28, 2026, arraigned in 6th Division District Court, and released on $20,000.00 with surety bail. 

·     Trafficking of a Minor – Sexual Servitude

·     Conspiracy to Commit the Crime of Trafficking of a Minor – Sexual Servitude

·     Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor

 

Victor Nogueras, age 35, of Manton Avenue, 2nd Floor, Providence, was arrested on June 1, 2026, arraigned in 6th Division District Court, and was held without bail as a probation violator.

·     Third Degree Sexual Assault

 

Victoria Cesario, age 28, of Manton Avenue, Providence, was arrested on May 28, 2026, arraigned in 6th Division District Court, and given $10,000.00 with surety bail on the new charges. 

·     Third Degree Sexual Assault (2 Counts)

·     Providence Superior Court Bench Warrant for Failure to Appear for Pre-Arraignment Conference on the charge of Felony Assault originating out of the Cumberland Police Department

·     Sixth District Court Bench Warrant for Failure to Appear for Arraignment on the charge of Possession of a Schedule I-V Substance, originating out of the Central Falls Police Department

·     Providence Superior Court Bench Warrant for Failure to Appear for Pre Arraignment Conference on the charge of Possession of a Schedule I-V Substance, originating out of the Central Falls Police Department

 

Benjamin Brown, age 30, of Providence Street, West Warwick, was arrested on May 29, 2026, arraigned in 3rd Division District Court, and given $40,000.00 with surety bail.

·     Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor

·     Providing Schedule I/II to a Minor

 

Victor Nogueras Garcia, age 56, of Manton Avenue, 2nd floor, Providence, was arrested on May 28, 2026, arraigned in 6th Division District Court, and released on $2,000.00 surety bail.

·     Manufacturing / Delivery / Possession with Intent to Deliver (Marijuana 1-5 Kilograms)

 

Marissa Hanley, age 29, of Manton Avenue, Providence, was arrested on May 28, 2026, arraigned in 6thDivision District Court, and released on $3,000.00 personal recognizance.  

·     Possession of Schedule I-V (Cocaine - Less than 10 Grams)

 

Brayeison Morel Rosario, age 19, of Manton Avenue, 2nd floor, Providence, was arrested on May 29, 2026, and arraigned in 6th Division District Court on the following warrant.

·     Sixth District Court Bench Warrant for Failure to Appear for Pretrial Conference on the charge of Domestic Simple Assault, originating out of the Providence Police Department

 

The Rhode Island State Police are requesting anyone with information pertaining to the above investigation to contact the Special Victims unit, at 401-764-5716.