Boston man charged with sex-related crimes, used Instagram to lure teens, DA says

A Boston man is being held pending a dangerousness hearing following an arraignment Thursday on several sex-related charges, according to Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden’s office.

John Jamar Cokley, 38, was arraigned in Dorchester’s division of the Boston Municipal Court on charges of 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, according to a statement Sunday morning from the district attorney’s office.

Cokley was previously charged in March with trafficking a person for sexual servitude, aggravated statutory rape, and possession with intent to distribute a class D substance, according to the district attorney’s office.

On Thursday, Judge William Farrell ordered Cockley held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing on Monday, the district attorney’s office said.

An attorney representing Cokley did not immediately return a request for comment on Sunday.

Ashley Polin, an assistant district attorney, said in the statement that Cokley sexually exploited three teens using the social media site Instagram.

Cokley’s username included the term “Hidden,” and he contacted and groomed the teens, prosecutors said.

He met with each separately over the course of several months, according to the district attorney’s spokesperson, Tina Nguyen.

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, Nguyen said.

The Boston man also requested sexually explicit photos and videos from the teenagers and recorded himself sexually assaulting them, creating child sexual abuse material, Nguyen said.

In text messages and in person, Cockley pressured and coerced them into sexual acts, including forcible rape of a child and statutory rape, Nguyen said.

Cokley gave money and drugs to two of the victims in exchange for “sexual activity” and encouraged them to sell marijuana to their peers, Nguyen said. Cokley collected and profited from the proceeds, according to the district attorney’s office.

“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.

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.