Shocking Allegations: Emmanuel College Admissions Official Charged with Attempted Sex Trafficking
The educational community is reeling in the wake of serious allegations against Jacob Henriques, a 29-year-old assistant admissions director at Emmanuel College in Boston. Federal authorities have charged Henriques with attempted sex trafficking of a minor, raising profound questions about safety and ethics within academic institutions.
The Charges
On April 25, federal prosecutors allege that Henriques utilized his position to access personal information of admitted and prospective students. He reportedly contacted multiple individuals, soliciting them for sexual encounters and offering them compensation. The disturbing nature of these communications has cast a dark shadow over the campus community.
Details of the Allegations
Federal prosecutors have detailed that Henriques met with at least three prospective students on the same day he started reaching out to them. His messages included offers of payment for “some fun,” along with suggestive content that escalated quickly. In one instance, he allegedly sent explicit videos and images following his initial contact.
One particularly alarming case involves a 17-year-old prospective student. Henriques allegedly learned her age during a tour, where they discussed her high school. Hours after the tour, he began texting her using the number from her admissions form, and his messages quickly turned explicit. He reportedly offered her $400 for sexual favors and sent multiple pornographic videos, despite her clear rejections.
The Victims’ Experiences
The victimization described in this case reveals a troubling exploitation of trust. The young prospective student, who was not only an applicant but also in a vulnerable stage of her life, found herself targeted by someone in a position of authority. Henriques allegedly continued to pursue her despite her refusals, increasing the emotional distress and violation she experienced.
Between April 25 and April 28, he reportedly accessed the teenager’s profile numerous times, demonstrating an intrusive level of obsession. Attempts to block Henriques were met with continued harassment, as he shifted to email to bypass the girl’s barriers.
Consequences of the Charges
If convicted of attempted sex trafficking of a minor, Henriques faces a substantial prison sentence, ranging from 10 years to life. In addition, there would be at least five years of supervised release and the possibility of fines up to $250,000, emphasizing the severity with which the judicial system views such offenses.
Institutional Response
In light of these allegations, Emmanuel College has expressed shock and dismay over the situation. In a public statement, the college condemned Henriqes’s actions as "an affront to our core values" and affirmed its commitment to standing by victims of such incidents. Upon learning of the situation, the college immediately contacted law enforcement and initiated an internal investigation, underscoring the institution’s commitment to accountability and safety.
Henriques is no longer employed by Emmanuel College, which raises further questions about the hiring practices and oversight mechanisms in place to protect students from potential predatory behavior.
Broader Implications
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by students in educational environments. The fact that someone in a position of trust and authority could allegedly exploit their role in such a heinous manner underscores the need for vigilant oversight within academic institutions.
As the case moves forward in federal court, the implications of Henriques’s actions resonate beyond the walls of Emmanuel College. They call into question the responsibility institutions have to protect their students and the measures they employ to ensure such abuses do not occur.
The community awaits further developments with hope for justice and a commitment to preventing future incidents that exploit vulnerable individuals.
