Boston, Mass. — A 29-year-old admissions official at Emmanuel College has been charged with attempted sex trafficking of a minor, following allegations that he solicited underage students for sexual activities. Jacob Henriques was arrested on Friday evening and is facing serious legal consequences.
According to prosecutors, Henriques exploited his position in the admissions office to access confidential information about prospective and admitted students. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for Massachusetts released details indicating that Henriques made contact with at least three students on April 25, offering them money for sexual encounters. In some cases, he sent explicit videos and images to these individuals.
One specific incident involved a 17-year-old girl whom Henriques allegedly targeted after giving her a tour of the campus. After he inquired about her local high school and reviewed her registration details—which included her date of birth—he reportedly initiated contact later that day. He sent her a text message proposing to pay her $400 for sexual acts, claiming he had explicit content for her to view.
Officials revealed that Henriques accessed the minor’s online profile 47 times within just a few days and continued to reach out to her through email after she blocked his phone number. The gravity of these allegations has raised significant concerns about the safety of students at the college.
Emmanuel College, located in Boston’s Fenway neighborhood, confirmed that Henriques was employed at the institution but has since been terminated. “The college is deeply saddened, angered, and shocked by these serious federal allegations,” a spokesperson said. “These actions are against our core values, and we stand in support of anyone impacted by this incident.”
Following the college’s awareness of Henriques’ conduct, law enforcement was promptly informed, and an investigation was initiated. The FBI’s Boston Division is currently working to identify additional potential victims, stressing the importance of protecting vulnerable individuals in the academic environment.
Henriques is scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court in Boston on Monday. It remains unclear whether he has secured legal representation. If convicted, he faces severe penalties, including a potential life sentence. The minimum penalty for attempted sex trafficking of a minor entails a 10-year prison term, five years of supervised release, and fines that can reach up to $250,000.
This disturbing case has sparked discussions about safeguarding minors and the responsibilities of educational institutions in preventing such abuses. The ongoing investigation aims to ensure that no additional victims remain unidentified.