A federal jury convicted Ozeias Luiz Guilherme, a 40-year-old man from Haverhill, Massachusetts, for attempting to sex traffic a 12-year-old in Manchester, New Hampshire, according to an April 24 announcement by United States Attorney Erin Creegan. The conviction followed a four-day trial and stemmed from a proactive law enforcement operation conducted on November 14, 2024.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by federal and local authorities to combat child sexual exploitation. Guilherme was found guilty of one count of attempted sex trafficking of a minor and one count of travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. United States District Court Judge Steven McAuliffe ordered that Guilherme remain detained until his sentencing scheduled for August 4.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, agents posted an advertisement on a website commonly used for commercial sex that appeared to show two minor females. Law enforcement monitored responses and communicated with potential buyers through text messages. During the exchange with Guilherme, an undercover agent stated that a 12-year-old girl was available for paid sex acts and provided him with the address of a Manchester hotel. When Guilherme arrived at the hotel with $100 as agreed upon in prior communication, he met with an undercover agent before being taken into custody.
Homeland Security Investigations led the investigation while the Manchester Police Department, New Hampshire Attorney General’s Office, and New Hampshire Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force assisted. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Matthew Vicinanzo and Matthew Hunter prosecuted the case.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of New Hampshire enhances community well-being by enforcing federal laws and safeguarding residents according to its official website. The office functions under direction from the United States Attorney General according to its official website, handles prosecutions of federal crimes and civil cases involving the government according to its official website, serves through federal court representation according to its official website, builds alliances with law enforcement agencies and community members according to its official website, is recognized as a federal law enforcement entity according to its official website, prosecutes crimes on behalf of the government while defending lawsuits against it, collects debts owed federally, and maintains offices in Concord according to its official website.
This prosecution was part of Project Safe Childhood—a nationwide initiative launched by the Department of Justice in May 2006—aimed at fighting child sexual exploitation by coordinating resources across agencies.
