U.S. Marshals Massachusetts Fugitive Task Force Arrests Fugitive Wanted for Trafficking Children

Boston, MA – The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) District of Massachusetts (DMA) announced today a multi-agency coordinated arrest in Nantucket, Massachusetts, of a fugitive wanted for trafficking children.

Rigoberto Chavez-Regaldo, 40, was arrested in the morning hours of October 8, 2026, in connection with alleged criminal activity that occurred in Brockton and elsewhere in Eastern Massachusetts involving the trafficking of minors. Chavez was charged in Plymouth County with Sexual Conduct for a Fee (two counts), Aggravated Rape - Serious Bodily Injury, Aggravated Statutory Rape of a Child, Rape of a Child with Force, Trafficking Person for Sexual Servitude (two counts), Indecent Assault and Battery on person over 14, Sell/Deliver Liquor to person under 21, and Enticing a Child under 16.

Chavez was arraigned on the charges in Brockton District Court late that day. The Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office moved for a dangerousness hearing to be held. Chavez is being held without bail pending the outcome of a dangerousness hearing on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.

Investigators worked diligently across Eastern Massachusetts to apprehend Chavez, and he was arrested without incident in Nantucket, Massachusetts. The arrest was the result of a coordinated effort by members of the USMS DMA Fugitive Task Force, Brockton Police, Massachusetts State Police (MSP) Violent Fugitive Apprehension Section (VFAS), MSP Air Wing, and the Nantucket Police. This arrest would not have been possible without the assistance of the MSP Air Wing, and the rapid response by the MSP Air Wing was critical to the safe and successful apprehension.

“Allegations concerning the sexual exploitation and trafficking of children are arguably the most disturbing we encounter. Protecting young people from predators is our highest obligation as a society, and the USMS and our law enforcement partners will use every resource at our disposal to pursue anyone who preys on them,” said Dennis Matulewicz, head of the USMS for the District of Massachusetts. “Our Fugitive Task Force represents the very best of collaborative law enforcement. Today's arrest reflects the strength of those partnerships and our shared commitment to our communities and public safety. Our thoughts and prayers are with the children affected by these alleged crimes as they heal and move forward.”

In order to protect the privacy of the minor victims involved, additional details will not be released.

USMS DMA Fugitive Task Force participants include the USMS DMA, Massachusetts State Police, Boston Police, Brockton Police, Cambridge Police, Chicopee Police, Hampden County Sheriff’s Department, Haverhill Police, Lowell Police, Middlesex Sheriff’s Department, New Bedford Police, Plymouth County Sheriff's Department, Quincy Police, Randolph Police, Rochester Police, Springfield Police, Suffolk County Sheriff’s Department, West Springfield Police, Worcester Police, Massachusetts National Guard Counter Drug Program, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

The USMS and its law enforcement partners remain committed to identifying, locating, and apprehending violent fugitives, developing actionable intelligence, and working collaboratively to enhance public safety throughout Massachusetts and across the nation.

The USMS reminds the public that criminal charges and allegations are accusations, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of any state or federal fugitive, please contact the USMS at 1-877-WANTED2 or submit a tip by emailing usmstips@usdoj.gov