Second Arrest Made in Hartford Human Trafficking Investigation

Connecticut officials have announced a second arrest in a regional, organized sex-trafficking case involving juveniles, highlighting the cross-city scope of a continuing investigation centered in Hartford and neighboring communities. The Regionalized Human Trafficking Task Force and the Hartford Police Special Investigations Division started looking into the case in September 2025 after multiple towns reported trafficking. Investigators say two minors got trafficked through an online app and were brought to a location in Hartford.

On December 23, 2025, police arrested 27-year-old Akeem Harris of Waterbury. He faces two counts of trafficking in persons and two counts of risk of injury to a minor.

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Second arrest underscores regional scope of Hartford-area trafficking case

Since the investigation began, authorities have widened their search across several Connecticut towns. They believe online platforms and transportation to Hartford played a key role, showing how these crimes spill out from cities into nearby communities.

The arrest of Harris, a Waterbury resident, came first. Then, a second suspect emerged, pointing to more possible developments in the coming weeks.

Current status of the case and suspects

Officials named Shai Broaden, 23, of Hartford, as the second suspect. Broaden is already in jail, and a warrant for her role was served through the habeas process.

Harris faces two counts each of trafficking in persons and risk of injury to a minor. Prosecutors and investigators are still working through leads.

Detectives say the investigation is still active. They’re reviewing new information and looking into other possible accomplices.

Authorities haven’t shared details about the victims’ conditions or which online app was used. There’s no timeline yet for any further charges or arrests.

What we know so far

Two minors were trafficked through an online application and transported to a Hartford location.
Akeem Harris, 27, of Waterbury, was arrested on Dec. 23, 2025, on two counts of trafficking in persons and two counts of risk of injury to a minor.
Shai Broaden, 23, of Hartford, is the second suspect connected to the case and remains in jail; a warrant related to her role was served via the habeas process.
The investigation is being conducted by the Regionalized Human Trafficking Task Force in conjunction with Hartford police.
Officials indicate the inquiry is ongoing and there may be additional arrests in the future.
Authorities have not released details about the victims’ conditions or the exact online platform used in the trafficking scheme.

Impact across Connecticut communities

This investigation’s reach goes well beyond Hartford. It’s touching communities all over Connecticut.

Besides Hartford and Waterbury, investigators think there could be connections to New Haven, Bridgeport, and Stamford. There might even be links to Norwalk, Danbury, and Bristol as things develop.

The Regionalized Human Trafficking Task Force has worked with police in towns like East Hartford, Middletown, and New Britain. They’re always looking for patterns in online recruitment, transportation routes, and sites used for exploitation.

Trafficking cases like this one often cross city lines. Connecticut residents should know that tip lines are still open for anyone who might have information that could help protect at-risk youths or bring more suspects to light.

Public safety actions and what comes next

Law enforcement officials say cross-agency cooperation isn’t going anywhere as the probe grows. In cities across Connecticut—Hartford, Waterbury, New Haven, Bridgeport, Stamford, Norwalk, Danbury, and Bristol—agencies are sharing intelligence and setting up coordinated operations.

They’re working closely with prosecutors to pursue new charges when necessary. Community members should report any suspicious activity tied to online recruitment, housing arrangements for minors, or coercion.

Investigators say every tip might help prevent more harm. Juvenile trafficking is still a huge public safety issue in Connecticut, and it calls for families, schools, and local police to stay alert.

Here is the source article for this story: Second person arrested in connection human trafficking incidents in Hartford

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