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- calendar_today October 11, 2026
Fugitive Apprehended in Nantucket
Federal authorities announced the arrest of Rigoberto Chavez-Regaldo, a 40-year-old fugitive, in Nantucket on Thursday. The suspect faces multiple serious charges, including allegations of child trafficking, sex trafficking, and child exploitation in Massachusetts.
Details of the Alleged Crimes
Chavez-Regaldo was sought in connection with allegations related to the trafficking of minors, according to the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) for the District of Massachusetts. The criminal activity reportedly took place in Brockton and “elsewhere in Eastern Massachusetts.”
The charges brought in Plymouth County against Chavez-Regaldo include two counts of sexual conduct for a fee, two counts of trafficking a person for sexual servitude, and one count each of aggravated rape causing serious bodily injury, aggravated statutory rape of a child, rape of a child with force, indecent assault and battery on a person over 14, selling or delivering liquor to a person under 21, and enticing a child under 16.
Multi-Agency Law Enforcement Operation
The arrest was carried out as part of a coordinated effort between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies. The investigation involved police departments from several Massachusetts cities, including Boston, Cambridge, Chicopee, Haverhill, Lowell, New Bedford, Quincy, Randolph, Rochester, Springfield, West Springfield, and Worcester. Law enforcement officials searched for Chavez-Regaldo before locating and arresting him without incident on Nantucket.
Statements from Authorities
Dennis Matulewicz, head of the USMS for the District of Massachusetts, commented on the case, saying, “Allegations concerning the sexual exploitation and trafficking of children are arguably the most disturbing we encounter. Protecting young people from predators is our highest obligation as a society, and the USMS and our law enforcement partners will use every resource at our disposal to pursue anyone who preys on them.”
Ongoing Legal Proceedings
Chavez-Regaldo was arraigned Thursday in Brockton District Court and is currently being held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing, as requested by the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office. He is scheduled to appear in court again on Tuesday. Attorney information for Chavez-Regaldo was not immediately available as of Sunday morning.
The USMS has declined to release further details about the allegations to protect the privacy of the minor victims involved. The nature of the case and the number of agencies involved underscore the severity of the charges and the importance of cooperation in responding to child trafficking and exploitation.
Community Impact and Law Enforcement Response
The arrest of Chavez-Regaldo highlights ongoing efforts by Massachusetts officials to combat child trafficking, sexual assault, and related crimes. Authorities emphasized the seriousness of children abuse and sexual servitude, reiterating their commitment to bringing perpetrators to justice and protecting vulnerable populations from exploitation.
Source: boston.com.
