Disturbing Allegations Against Boston College Admissions Worker
In an unsettling incident that has shocked both the local community and the broader academic environment, Jacob Henriques, a 29-year-old former assistant admissions director at Emmanuel College in Boston, has been accused of harassing a 17-year-old prospective student. Federal officials allege that Henriques not only contacted her after giving a campus tour but also solicited sexual services, offering her $400 in exchange for sex.
The Allegations Unfold
Henriques was arrested on May 2, 2025, following claims that he targeted four potential students, using his position to access confidential information. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Massachusetts outlined a pattern of disturbing behavior, indicating that he shared pornography, solicited commercial sex, and obtained personal information from prospective students.
On April 25, during a campus visit, Henriques allegedly pulled the registration paperwork of one 17-year-old student, gaining access to her date of birth and other sensitive personal details. This incident occurred just moments before he led her on a tour of the school, where he engaged her in conversation about her academic background.
Manipulation and Advances
Following the tour, Henriques reached out to the teenager via text messages, failing to identify himself. In messages that were both inappropriate and explicit, he offered her $400 for “some fun” and boasted about possessing pornography. Disturbingly, after she rebuffed his initial advances multiple times, he persisted, suggesting increasingly disturbing scenarios such as a “gangbang” and repeatedly inquiring whether she had changed her mind.
The young woman attempted to block his attempts to contact her, but Henriques continued to pursue her, sending messages that became increasingly aggressive in nature. Between April 25 and April 28, he allegedly viewed her online profile nearly 50 times—an evident manifestation of his obsessive behavior.
Arrest and Legal Ramifications
Henriques’s behavior did not go unnoticed. Federal agents apprehended him on May 2, charging him with attempted sex trafficking of a minor. His swift arrest underscores the serious nature of the allegations and the commitment of law enforcement to protect potential victims from exploitation. If found guilty, he could face a life sentence in prison.
In the wake of these revelations, Emmanuel College acted promptly, terminating Henriques’s employment. The institution has since released statements expressing deep sadness and anger over the allegations, affirming that such actions stand in stark opposition to their core values.
Background of the Accused
Jacob Henriques is not a stranger to Emmanuel College; he graduated from there in 2021 and worked in the admissions department, primarily responsible for reading applications from prospective students in New England and parts of the Midwest. The breach of trust is particularly alarming given his role: an individual who should have been guiding students’ futures was allegedly exploiting his position.
Community and Legal Response
In response to this troubling situation, the FBI has launched an investigation into Henriques’s activities, actively seeking out other potential victims. They have encouraged anyone who believes they may have been victimized to come forward. The invitation to share stories reflects a broader concern regarding safety and transparency in educational institutions.
The community’s response has been one of outrage and disbelief, with many calling for greater scrutiny of admissions practices and a re-evaluation of how personal data is handled by educational institutions. This incident serves as a chilling reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by young adults navigating the college admissions landscape.
Looking Ahead
Jacob Henriques is scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court in Boston on May 5, 2025, where he will face serious charges that could shape the trajectory of his life for years to come. As this case develops, it highlights crucial conversations about protecting students and enforcing stringent protocols to prevent such grotesque abuses of power from occurring again. The implications of this incident underscore the necessity for vigilance and reforms within educational environments, ensuring that students can pursue their academic paths without fear of exploitation.
