Dorchester Man, Previously Indicted on Sex Trafficking Charges, Charged with Witness Tampering and Obstruction of Justice

BOSTON – A Dorchester man has been charged in federal court in Boston with witness tampering and obstructing justice.

Bruce “Arki” Brown, 41, was charged today by criminal complaint with witness tampering and obstruction of justice.  Brown was previously charged federally with sex trafficking and is currently in jail awaiting trial.

According to the charging document, Brown used coded language in recorded jail calls and directed his three co-conspirators to assist him with contacting victims and witnesses in an attempt to influence their testimony related to the pending charges against him.  Brown dubbed this scheme “Plan B.”

Brown was previously indicted on Feb. 13, 2020, with  four counts of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion; one count of sex trafficking of a minor by force, fraud and coercion; one count of transportation of a minor for purposes of prostitution; and one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking.  According to the indictment, Brown engaged in the sex trafficking of four victims over a 15 year period beginning in June 2004 through approximately July 2019.

The charge of obstruction of justice carries a maximum penalty of up to years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine up to $250,000. Witness tampering carries a maximum penalty of up to of 20 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine up to $250,000 or twice the gross gain or loss from the crime, whichever is greater.  Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling and Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division made the announcement today.  The Boston Police Department and Newton Police Department also provided valuable assistance in the investigation.

The details contained in the charging documents are allegations. The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.