A Dorchester man charged last month with sex trafficking was arraigned this week on additional sex-related charges and ordered held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing on Monday, District Attorney Kevin Hayden announced.
JOHN JAMAR COKLEY, 38, of Boston, was arraigned in Dorchester BMC Thursday on sex trafficking of a person under 18, rape of a child by force, three counts of aggravated statutory rape, posing a child in a state of sexual conduct, two counts of causing a minor to distribute a drug, and possession of child pornography.
Judge William Farrell ordered Cokley held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing on Monday.
Assistant District Attorney Ashley Polin said Cokley sexually exploited three teens using the social media platform Instagram. Cokley, whose username included the term “Hidden,” contacted and groomed the teens and met with each separately over the course of several months. Cokley picked them up near their homes and drove to various locations around Boston where he sexually assaulted them in his vehicle, a white Honda Accord.
Additionally, Cokley requested sexually explicit photos and videos from the teenagers and recorded himself sexually assaulting them, creating child sexual abuse material. In text messages and in person, Cokley pressured and coerced them to into certain sexual acts, including forcible rape of a child and statutory rape. Cokley gave two of the victims money and drugs in exchange for sexual activity and encouraged them to sell marijuana to their peers. Cokley collected and profited from the proceeds.
Cokley was charged in March with trafficking a person for sexual servitude, aggravated statutory rape, and possession with intent to distribute a class D substance. Cokley was ordered held on $25,000 bail and to be fitted with a GPS tracking device if released. He will appear in Dorchester BMC April 29 for those charges.
“Cases involving manipulation and sexual exploitation of children are devastating and all too common in today’s online world. Members of the Boston Police Department’s Human Trafficking Unit (HTU) and our office are focused on stopping exploitation and supporting the victims and families affected by these crimes. The young people in this case should be commended for their bravery after the discovery of this man’s actions,” Hayden said.
While the victims and witnesses of any crime should call 911 in an emergency, there are additional resources available to report suspected crimes against children. In Suffolk County, survivors of child abuse and exploitation and their non-offending caretakers can receive comprehensive services at the Children’s Advocacy Center of Suffolk County. Additionally, the CAC has a specialized program, Support to End Exploitation Now (SEEN) that specifically works with and advocates for youth affected by trafficking and exploitation. The CAC can be reached at 617-779-2146.
If parents would like help navigating online risks and how to discuss them with children and teens, District Attorney Hayden offers the Stop Block and Talk internet safety training program for caregivers and professionals. Information on the program and helpful resources can be found at www.suffolkdistrictattorney.com/stop-block-and-talk.
Anyone who believes that a child in Massachusetts may be the victim of abuse can call the Department of Children and Families’ Child at Risk Hotline at 1-800-792-5200. Those concerned that a child is being exploited online may report a Cybertip to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST or www.cybertipline.com.
All charged individuals are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Maureen Dahill is the editor of Caught in Southie and a lifelong resident of South Boston sometimes mistaken for a yuppie. Co-host of Caught Up, storyteller, lover of red wine and binge watching TV series. Mrs. Peter G. Follow her @MaureenCaught.
