BOSTON — A pastor who blessed Gov. Charlie Baker in 2014 was one of nine arrested last week during a prostitution sting.
"Gov. Baker is saddened by this news and is confident the courts will examine the facts and reach an appropriate decision," said Lizzy Guyton, the communications director for Baker's administration.
The Boston Police Human Trafficking Unit made the arrests on May 23 after each defendant responded to an online ad for sex, said the Suffolk County District Attorney's office. They also all allegedly negotiated sexual conduct in exchange for money.
"Human trafficking exists because sex buyers make it profitable," DA Dan Conley said.
Archie Foxworth, of Hull, is a senior pastor of Grace Church of All Nations in Dorchester. According to the church's website, he has been a pastor there for 35 years. He was also consecrated to the Bishopric at the Episcopal Cathedral of St. Paul in Boston in 2007.
Foxworth blessed Baker shortly after he was elected.
"The Baker-Polito Administration has made combating human trafficking a priority by working across state government to enact anti-trafficking policies and proposing legislation to give law enforcement more tools to crack down on trafficking related crimes," said Guyton.
Others arrested in the sting are:
- Murat Inamli of Brookline
- Zian Jiang of Boston
- William J. Marchant of Norwood
- Eswin Esteban of Chelsea
- Benjamin Silver of Somerville
- James M. Rose of Boston
- Thomas Holt of Belmont
- Nikunk B. Patel of Revere
Each defendant is charged with seeking sex for a fee and released on his own recognizance.
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