Swansea Police Arrest Westport Man, Two Others for Child Sex Trafficking

SWANSEA (WBSM) — A Westport man was among three men arrested Tuesday in connection with a human trafficking operation after allegedly seeking to pay for sex with a minor.

According to Swansea Police Chief Mark Foley, the department collaborated with the Massachusetts State Police High Risk Victims Unit to conduct a joint operation targeting individuals seeking to engage in paid sex with minors.

Foley said an undercover officers posed as someone under the age of 16, and three different men – David J. Afriyie, 19, of Pawtucket, Rhode Island; Joseph Wood, 38, of Hanson; and Manuel R. Costa, 39, of Westport – “went to a designated place in Swansea with the belief they would be meeting the minor and engaging in sexual relations.”

The three men were arrested and charged with enticing a child under the age of 16, sexual conduct for a fee with a child under the age of 18, and attempt to commit a crime (rape of a child under the age of 16).

Bail for each was set at $5,000, with Costa posting bail. The other two were taken to the Bristol County House of Correction. All three are scheduled to be arraigned today in Fall River District Court.

"This was a great example of state and local law enforcement working together to protect our most vulnerable population," Chief Foley said. "As a team, we were able to tackle a very serious issue that, unfortunately, no community is immune from. We will do everything in our power to protect the children in our communities."