Malden, Massachusetts — A 29-year-old man has been arrested after a woman he allegedly met through a dating app was discovered being held captive for six weeks inside an unfinished attic, where prosecutors say she was sexually assaulted and forced to have sexual encounters with other men.
Jordende Pierre was arrested Thursday on charges including trafficking a person for sexual servitude, kidnapping, and indecent assault and battery on a person 14 or older, according to the U.S. Marshals Service.
The woman was discovered last Sunday inside the attic of a multifamily home on Summer Street after the property’s landlord went to investigate a water leak.
Woman Found Malnourished in Attic
The unidentified woman was reportedly found naked and malnourished on a mat beside a 5-gallon bucket containing urine in the unfinished attic, according to NBC Boston.
Middlesex County Assistant District Attorney Jacob McCrindle described the conditions in court.
“She clearly had not eaten. She was dirty. She was living, essentially, in squalor in this attic area,”
Authorities allege Pierre had been keeping the woman inside the property for approximately six weeks.
Prosecutors say he prevented her from escaping by removing the handle from the attic door. They also allege that Pierre sexually assaulted the woman himself and forced her to have sexual encounters with at least six other men who visited the property.
Authorities further allege that Pierre provided the woman with drugs while she was being held at the home.
Landlord Called Police After Shocking Discovery
The woman was discovered after landlord Qing Sun and her husband went to the property last Sunday to investigate a water leak.
Sun, who lives elsewhere but manages the multifamily property, told that she encountered the woman and a man while attempting to determine where the water was coming from.
She then called 911. Sun said she had no knowledge that anyone was living in the unfinished attic and that Pierre was not one of her tenants.
“It’s a disturbing situation,” Sun said.
She added:
“This guy is not on the list. I’m not aware this guy is living there,” Sun said. “And I’m not aware anybody living in the attic. Nobody’s supposed to live there.”
Despite the disturbing circumstances, Sun said she was relieved that the woman had been found.
“I’m very happy to be able to help this young girl get back to her family,” the landlord added.
Prosecutors Say Woman Was Targeted After Dating App Meeting
According to prosecutors, Pierre met the woman through an unspecified dating app before allegedly taking control of her movements and holding her inside the Malden property.
Authorities also said the woman had struggled with substance abuse and had been staying at a rehabilitation facility before she was allegedly abducted. Prosecutors allege Pierre exploited her circumstances while keeping her confined in the attic.
The case has raised concerns in the neighborhood, where residents said they had noticed unusual activity around the Summer Street property.
Neighbors Describe Strange Activity at Home
Neighbors reportedly described the property as “Frankenstein’s home” and said they had frequently noticed different people coming and going. Neighbor Tarra Sewell said:
“We’ve heard rumors about that house in the past,” neighbor Tarra Sewell said. “I would never, ever imagine something happening so close to my home. … That’s really, really scary.”
Residents also said the property frequently hosted rowdy parties and loud music on weeknights.
Another neighbor, Kirby Tang, described the police response after the woman was discovered.
“There were a huge force of police. It sounds like they were very coordinated and organized,” neighbor Kirby Tang said.
Tang also expressed regret that neighbors had not realized someone inside the property might need help.
“I just feel sorry for her; like, she was 500 feet away, and we couldn’t do anything,” Tang said. “Because we didn’t hear anything.”
Pierre Was Already Out on Bail
Pierre was taken into custody Thursday following a coordinated operation involving the Malden Police, FBI Violent Crimes Task Force and U.S. Marshals.
Authorities said Pierre also has an open assault and battery with a dangerous weapon case in Somerville and was out on bail when the alleged six-week ordeal occurred. He is now being held without bail. Pierre’s next court hearing is scheduled for October 6.
The allegations have prompted a strong response from federal authorities.
“The allegations in this case are deeply disturbing. No person should ever be subjected to the violence, exploitation, and loss of freedom alleged here,” Dennis Matulewicz, head of the US Marshals Service for the District of Massachusetts, said in a statement.
“When someone is accused of preying upon another person in this manner, the U.S. Marshals Service and our law enforcement partners will work relentlessly to find them and bring them before the court. I commend the outstanding coordination of our federal, state, and local partners that led to this swift arrest.”
The allegations in this case are still being addressed through the court system. What are your thoughts on the shocking discovery in the Malden home? Share your reaction in the comments.
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