Prison Time for Brockton Sex Trafficker

BROCKTON — A Brockton man has been sentenced to 12 years in prison after he was caught running a sex trafficking operation out of a Brockton home for more than six years.

The U.S. Attorney's Office said 35-year-old Matthew "Magic" Engram pleaded guilty in February to federal sex trafficking charges related to recruiting and trafficking at least three victims to engage in commercial sex acts, and taking all or part of the proceeds.

Engram and co-conspirator Natashia Bowman ran the sex trafficking operation out of the Brockton residence from January 2009 until August 2015.

He recruited the victims by promising them money, then with Bowman's help advertised them on websites, organized dates and reserved hotel rooms for prostitution, according to the office.

The victims were then compelled to continue engaging in sex acts for his profit through a "climate of fear," the office noted, which Engram maintained using physical assault, intimidation and isolation.

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According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, victims who did not comply with Engram's demands or did not make enough money were physically assaulted.

He also took his victims to other states to perform sex acts for payment.

Engram pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, two counts of transporting a person for prostitution, and one count of conspiracy to commit interstate travel in aid of a racketeering enterprise.

He will serve 12 years in prison and five years of supervised release.

In September 2020, Bowman pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit interstate travel in aid of a racketeering enterprise. She is set to be sentenced on Aug. 9.

"Mr. Engram took advantage of numerous young women through psychological manipulation, violence and fear," said U.S. Attorney Rachael Rollins. "For over six years, he profited off of their pain and exploitation."

"Although we can never take away the trauma and violence endured by these survivors, today’s sentencing makes clear that the federal government is committed to eliminating human trafficking and holding traffickers accountable," she added.

Brockton Police Chief Brenda Perez commented: "Victims of human trafficking suffer physical abuse and immeasurable emotional abuse from their captors. We are pleased to see justice served today and proud of the hard work and collaboration that led to today's sentencing."

Human trafficking victims can be found anywhere, including on the SouthCoast.

If you think you or someone you know might be the victim of human trafficking, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at (888) 373-7888.