On Wednesday, April 9, 2025, members of the Boston Police Human Trafficking Unit, in collaboration with the Massachusetts State Police High-Risk Victims Unit, Randolph Police Department, and the FBI Trafficking Task Force, arrested 29-year-old Shakera “Stacks” Pina of Boston, following an extensive ongoing investigation into sex trafficking and child exploitation.
As part of their investigation, Detectives focused on an online classified ad platform previously linked to numerous sex trafficking and exploitation cases. Investigators discovered a sex advertisement featuring photographs of a juvenile victim.
In an effort to locate and rescue the victim, undercover officers, using department-issued phones, responded to the ad and engaged in a text message exchange with the person believed to be controlling the listing. During the conversation, investigators successfully arranged a meeting to purchase sexual services involving the minor at a hotel location.
A surveillance and apprehension operation was immediately launched. At approximately 9:23 PM, investigators received a phone call from the number associated with the advertisement. A woman stated she would be arriving soon. About 21 minutes later, a second call confirmed her arrival at the hotel.
Investigators met a 15-year-old girl at the hotel room and immediately identified themselves as law enforcement. The child was transported to a local hospital for evaluation and care.
The investigation revealed that the victim had been transported to the hotel by a woman known as “Stacks,” who was waiting nearby in a vehicle. Investigators located the vehicle and initiated a traffic stop. Upon noticing law enforcement, the driver attempted to flee but was quickly stopped.
As Officers approached, they observed the driver, later identified as Shakera Pina, allegedly attempting to destroy evidence. Despite repeated verbal commands, Pina did not comply. Investigators ultimately gained access to the vehicle and placed her under arrest without further incident.
A subsequent search of the vehicle and Pina’s person led to the recovery of several plastic bags containing marijuana, a digital scale, multiple denominations of U.S. currency, and condoms.
Pina was transported to District D-4 for booking and was arraigned in South Boston District Court on the following charges:
- Human Trafficking
- Deriving Support from Prostitution
- Resisting Arrest
- Possession of a Class D Substance (Marijuana) with Intent to Distribute
The Boston Police Department remains committed to identifying and rescuing victims of trafficking and holding offenders accountable. Anyone with information related to human trafficking is urged to contact the Boston Police Human Trafficking Unit at (617) 343-6533.