EAST PROVIDENCE — A young East Providence male is facing charges for sex trafficking following an investigation by local and federal authorities.
Reginald Chaney, 19, was picked up by East Providence Police and turned over into the custody of Providence Police, who investigated the case along with representatives from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Mr. Chaney, who is known to local law enforcement for past offenses, is currently being detained as a probation violator on a five-year suspended sentence imposed earlier this year on a weapons charge.
Recently, Mr. Chaney is alleged to have lured two teenage girls, 15 and 16 years old, into taking photos and posting them on backpack.com, a website that solicits sex.
According to the investigation, Mr. Chaney is alleged to have set up encounters between the girls and those who solicited the website at motels in Seekonk, Providence, Warwick and Pawtucket.
Providence Police learned of the alleged events after the 16-year-old female entered Hasbro Children’s Hospital for treatment of injuries suffered during a sexual assault.
EPPD Detective Captain Richard Frazier said none of the alleged crimes took place in East Providence, so no charges are being filed against Mr. Chaney by his department.
Mr. Chaney is alleged to have threatened the girls with a taser if they did not cooperate. He is said to have received from $60 to $200 in compensation from the solicitors in exchange for sex with the girls.
Mr. Chaney is being charged under federal statutes pertaining to sex trafficking of a child and/or by force or coercion and transportation with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity.