Chelsea woman sentenced in child prostitution case

A Chelsea woman was sentenced to nine years in prison yesterday for her part in running a prostitution ring that supplied females as young as 13 to customers in Boston and New York City, according to US Attorney Michael J. Sullivan .

Evelyn "Messiah" Diaz , 22, pleaded guilty on Jan. 22 in federal court to one count of conspiracy to engage in a child prostitution scheme, two counts of transportation of a minor to engage in prostitution, and three counts of sex trafficking of children.

Between July of 2003 and May 2005, Diaz placed ads and pictures of females who were working as escorts for her service, Messiah's Adult Entertainment -- both adults and juveniles -- in local publications and on websites.

Primarily operating her business out of her home on Park Street in Chelsea, and then later on Falcon Street in Boston, Diaz would schedule girls to engage in sex acts, in her home or at a caller's residence or a hotel. Diaz would keep all or part of the money the girls made.

At various times, three minors worked for Diaz, and in July 2003, Diaz transported two of the juvenile girls, ages 13 and 15, to New York City, where they engaged in prostitution arranged by Diaz, Sullivan said.

Diaz's uncle, Victor Diaz , 23, of East Boston, is facing a conspiracy charge for allegedly driving girls to prostitution calls. He pleaded not guilty in July 2006 and was released on a $50,000 bond.

The case is part of the Innocence Lost Initiative, a federal law enforcement effort to prevent and prosecute child prostitution.

ELIZABETH RATTO