Man Accused in Massachusetts of Holding Woman Captive for Six Weeks

A 29-year-old man was arrested in Malden, Massachusetts, accused of kidnapping and holding a woman captive in an attic for six weeks. Middlesex County prosecutors allege that Jordende Pierre sexually assaulted her and forced her to engage with other men in exchange for money.

Pierre met the woman on a dating application, according to prosecutors. He picked her up from a rehabilitation center and took her to an apartment in Malden, where prosecutors say he gave her drugs and held her against her will.

The woman, whose identity was not disclosed, was found on September 20 by the building’s owner, who came to repair a water leak. «It is a disturbing situation,» said the owner, Qing Sun, to NBC10 Boston. Sun added that Pierre was not one of her tenants and that she was unaware that anyone lived in the attic.

How the Woman in the Malden Attic Was Rescued

According to prosecutors, they found the woman naked on a mat, near a bucket used as a toilet. «Clearly she had not eaten, she was dirty and lived in practically deplorable conditions in that attic,» prosecutors stated before the court on Friday.

Malden Police Chief Marc Gatcomb confirmed that the woman was taken to a safe place with her family. Prosecutors allege that they removed the attic door handle to prevent her from leaving the area.

Following the discovery, a human trafficking investigation was opened. Days later, a joint operation between the U.S. Marshals Service, Massachusetts State Police, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) located and arrested Pierre on September 24.

Human Trafficking Charges and Ongoing Legal Process

Pierre faces charges of kidnapping, human trafficking for sexual servitude, and sexual and indecent assault against a person over 14 years old. He pleaded not guilty to all charges, according to CNN affiliates WCVB and WFXT.

At the time of his arrest, Pierre had an open case in Somerville for assault with a dangerous weapon and was free on bail, according to court records cited by IBTimes. Massachusetts law allows prosecutors to request a dangerousness hearing when bail conditions do not protect the community.

This process, known as a «dangerousness hearing,» evaluates whether an accused poses a risk before trial. Pierre now faces this procedure in the Malden case, in addition to the pending case in Somerville.

Authorities’ Response and Context of Human Trafficking

Trafficking victims are often recruited through relationships of trust, such as dating applications or promises of help, before being isolated from their support network. Recognizing these signs of manipulation is key to prevention, according to organizations specializing in the matter.

CNN indicated that it contacted Malden police, the FBI, and the U.S. Marshals Service for additional comments on the case. The court record linked to the investigation was ordered under seal on Friday.

The case continues in Malden District Court, where Pierre’s dangerousness hearing is expected. Those who suspect someone could be a trafficking victim can call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888, available 24 hours with Spanish-language support.