By Tiffany Williams –
WORCESTER, Mass. — A targeted undercover operation aimed at predators seeking minors for sex ends with an arrest and a disturbing set of allegations.
Police in Worcester say on Wednesday, March 13, 2026, the Worcester Police Special Crimes Unit and Cyber Crime Unit teamed up with the Homeland Security Investigations Human Trafficking Unit out of Boston to conduct an undercover human trafficking operation.
The mission was clear — identify and arrest individuals attempting to obtain commercial sexual services from minors.
Investigators set up the operation at a local hotel known to authorities and already on file with the Worcester Police Department.
According to police, Raphael Josue Mesadieu is now under arrest following that operation.
Detectives say Mesadieu communicated with and made arrangements to have sex with an alleged 15 year old minor in exchange for $250.00 at a local hotel.
Authorities say the investigation revealed multiple alleged violations including human trafficking of a minor, enticing a child under 16 years old, and sex for a fee with a child under 18.
Police say Mesadieu invited the alleged 15 year old to engage in sex for a fee and agreed to pay $250.00 to carry out that act.
At the time of his arrest, investigators say Mesadieu also had four outstanding warrants — three out of Dudley District Court and one out of Clinton District Court.