Emmanuel College Official Faces Serious Charges

Jacob Henriques, who held a position as an assistant admissions director at Emmanuel College in Boston, has been detained by the authorities. He is accused of attempting to involve both applicants and accepted students in sexual activities for compensation, according to statements from the U.S. Department of Justice.

Detailed Allegations of Misconduct

The 29-year-old former college employee has been formally accused of the attempted trafficking of a minor. Prosecutors allege that Henriques exploited his job role to access the personal data of students who were applying or who had already been accepted. This information was reportedly used in efforts to procure sexual services from these individuals.

College's Response to the Incident

Emmanuel College reacted promptly by terminating Henriques' employment and reporting the incident to law enforcement agencies. The institution expressed its profound dismay and anger at the severe allegations brought forth.

Incidents Leading to Charges

On April 25, Henriques is alleged to have accessed the private details of at least three students after meeting with several candidates. Prosecutors claim he reached out to these students, offering monetary incentives for inappropriate encounters and distributing obscene materials in some instances.

In one case, after a 17-year-old applicant toured the campus with Henriques, he allegedly contacted her later the same day. Using her admissions contact information, he proposed a payment of $400 for unspecified activities and offered to share explicit media, despite her refusals. He persistently attempted to contact her, even as she tried to evade his advances.

Legal Proceedings and Potential Consequences

The Justice Department has indicated that upon conviction, Henriques may face a sentence ranging from a decade to life in imprisonment. Currently, he is scheduled to appear in the U.S. District Court in Boston for legal proceedings.