RISP child sex trafficking investigation leads to 8 arrests

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — Rhode Island State Police announced Monday that a child sex trafficking investigation involving the alleged exploitation of a 14-year-old resulted in eight arrests.

As part of the investigation, members of the Special Victims Unit, Major Crimes Unit, Violent Fugitive Task Force, Tactical Team and Uniform Division executed multiple search and arrest warrants on May 28 at residences in West Warwick and Providence.

Those arrested and charged include:

Heather Bessette, 36, of West Warwick

• Trafficking of a Minor – Sexual Servitude
• Conspiracy to Commit Trafficking of a Minor – Sexual Servitude
• Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor
• Providing Schedule I/II Controlled Substances to a Minor
• Felony Assault with a Dangerous Weapon
• Enticing a Minor to Leave Home

Bessette was arraigned in court and ordered held as a bail violator.

Benjamin Brown, 30, of West Warwick

• Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor
• Providing Schedule I/II Controlled Substances to a Minor

Brown was granted $40,000 surety bail.

Victoria Cesario, 28, of Providence

• Third Degree Sexual Assault (2 Counts)
• Providence Superior Court Bench Warrant for Failure to Appear for a Pre-Arraignment Conference on a Felony Assault charge originating from the Cumberland Police Department
• Sixth District Court Bench Warrant for Failure to Appear for Arraignment on a Possession of a Schedule I-V Controlled Substance charge originating from the Central Falls Police Department
• Providence Superior Court Bench Warrant for Failure to Appear for a Pre-Arraignment Conference on a Possession of a Schedule I-V Controlled Substance charge originating from the Central Falls Police Department

Cesario was granted $10,000 surety bail.

Marissa Hanley, 29, of Providence

• Possession of a Schedule I-V Controlled Substance (Cocaine – Less than 10 Grams)

Hanley was released on $3,000.00 personal recognizance.

Kimberly Leo, 22, of Providence

• Trafficking of a Minor – Sexual Servitude
• Conspiracy to Commit Trafficking of a Minor – Sexual Servitude
• Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor

Leo was released on $20,000.00 with surety bail.

Victor Nogueras, 35, of Providence

• Third Degree Sexual Assault

Nogueras was held without bail as a probation violator.

Victor Nogueras Garcia, 56, of Providence

• Manufacturing, Delivery, or Possession with Intent to Deliver Marijuana (1-5 Kilograms)

Nogueras Garcia was released on $2,000.00 surety bail.

Brayeison Morel Rosario, 19, of Providence

• Sixth District Court Bench Warrant for Failure to Appear for a Pretrial Conference on a Domestic Simple Assault charge originating from the Providence Police Department

Rhode Island State Police are asking anyone with information related to the investigation to contact the Special Victims Unit at 401-764-5716.