Norwich Woman Sentenced to More Than Six Years in Federal Prison for Sex Trafficking of a Minor

David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut announced that Dana Rivera, 23, of Norwich, was sentenced today by United States District Judge Robert N. Chatigny in Hartford to 78 months of imprisonment, followed by seven years of supervised release, for sex trafficking of a minor.

According to court documents and statements made in court, Dana Rivera and her former husband, Samuel Rivera, arranged for the prostitution of a 16-year-old girl. The Riveras posted advertisements on the Internet, took calls of prospective customers, booked hotel rooms, and transported the minor victim to and from prostitution calls in southeastern Connecticut, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. In May and June 2011, the minor victim saw approximately five or six customers a day. The Riveras split the money the victim earned and gave none of it to the victim.

Dana Rivera has been detained since her arrest on November 5, 2012. On February 14, 2013, she pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking.

Samuel Rivera, 23, of Groton, pleaded guilty to the same charge on February 19, 2013, and awaits sentencing. He has been detained since his arrest on November 16, 2012.

This matter has been investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation with the assistance of the Stonington Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney David E. Novick.