Former Emmanuel College Admissions Worker Arrested on Sex Trafficking Charges

A former assistant admissions director at Emmanuel College in Boston has been arrested and charged with attempted sex trafficking of a minor. Jacob Henriques, 29, is accused of using his position to access the personal information of prospective students and then contacting them with offers of money and pornography in exchange for sex.

The U.S. Attorneys Office in Massachusetts alleges that Henriques targeted at least four potential students, contacting them after gaining access to their personal information through his role at the college. The alleged incidents occurred around April 25, 2024, and continued until at least April 28, 2024.

According to federal officials, Henriques met with at least three prospective students on April 25. He allegedly contacted them afterward, offering to pay them for "some fun" and sending them pornographic material. He also contacted a fourth victim after she had formally committed to attending Emmanuel College. In this case, he also allegedly offered her money for "some fun" before sending her pornographic videos.

One particularly disturbing aspect of the case involves a 17-year-old high school girl who was considering attending Emmanuel College. Within hours of finishing a tour of the college on or about April 25, she allegedly received a text message from Henriques. He is accused of using the phone number she provided on her admissions form to offer her $400 for "some fun" and to send her pornography.

The girl reported that Henriques continued to text her that night, refusing to identify himself or explain how he obtained her phone number. Despite her repeated rejections, he persisted in contacting her. After allegedly sending her five pornographic videos, he reportedly asked if she wanted to participate in a "gangbang" and if she wanted to have sex with him.

According to the attorney’s office, even after the girl repeatedly rejected his advances, Henriques continued to text her, promising to buy her anything she wanted if she changed her mind. Between April 25 and April 28, Henriques allegedly accessed the girl’s profile a staggering 47 times. When she blocked his number, he reportedly began emailing her.

The charges against Henriques are severe. He is charged with one count of attempted sex trafficking of a minor, a crime that carries a potential sentence of up to life in prison if he is found guilty.

Emmanuel College has responded swiftly to the allegations. A spokesperson for the college told WBZ-TV that Henriques has been fired following an internal investigation. The spokesperson expressed the college’s shock and outrage at the allegations, stating that they are "saddened, angered, and shocked by these serious federal allegations that have been brought against a former employee." They emphasized that Henriques’s alleged actions are "an affront to our core values, and we stand with any victimized by this incident."

Henriques is scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court in Boston on Monday. He will face the legal process and the potential consequences of his alleged actions.

The FBI’s Boston Division Child Exploitation and Human Trafficking Task Force is actively investigating the case and seeking to identify other potential victims of Henriques. They believe he may have targeted other individuals between 2024 and 2025. Anyone with information is urged to contact the FBI.

This case highlights the potential for abuse of power and the vulnerability of young people navigating the college admissions process. It also underscores the importance of data security and the need for institutions to protect the personal information of prospective students. The actions allegedly taken by Henriques are a betrayal of trust and a violation of the safety and well-being of vulnerable individuals.

The investigation is ongoing, and further details may emerge as the case progresses through the legal system. The focus now is on ensuring that justice is served and that any other potential victims are identified and supported. The severity of the charges reflects the gravity of the alleged offenses and the potential harm caused to the victims. The community awaits the outcome of the legal proceedings with a mixture of anger, concern, and a determination to prevent such incidents from happening again. This case serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and accountability in positions of authority, particularly when dealing with young and impressionable individuals. The college admissions process should be a time of excitement and opportunity, not a breeding ground for exploitation and abuse.