Crime & Safety

Natick Man Arrested in Sex Sting

Brookline Police: Steven Hughes responded to phony Craigslist ad.

A Natick man is facing charges after getting arrested over the weekend in Brookline.

Steven Hughes, 39, of Natick, was arrested at 4:45 p.m. on Feb. 16, and charged with enticing a child, possession of a Class D drug with intent to distribute, and possession of a Class E drug.

According to a press statement by the Brookline Police, detectives posted an ad on Craigslist on Jan. 6, requesting a “Shoulder to cry on,” as part of an investigation into the underground sex and drug trade in the metro region that previously led to three other arrests last week.

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The ad stated, "all the advise ive gotten has been bad. all. school or not to stay in school? yes that is my simple question."

A few weeks later, on Jan. 24, a response came across from a man, later identified as Steve Hughes. The police, acting under the pseudonym of “Sunny day,” and Steve, allegedly exchanged emails and on Feb. 16. During conversations on the phone, via email, and text messages, “there was talk about engaging in sexual conduct,” according to the report.

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During the conversation, according to the report, their respective ages were discussed, with the female police officer reportedly asking Steve if he had a problem with her young age. Eventually, according to the arrest report, the two agreed to meet.

Brookline Police detectives set up surveillance around the corner and across the street from the agreed meeting location. At around 4:45 p.m., Hughes allegedly pulled up to the location in a Ford pickup truck and the officer received a text from Hughes.

The detectives blocked the pickup truck with their unmarked cruisers, requested Hughes to step out of the truck, and arrested him.

An inventory search of his truck allegedly turned up six baggies of marijuana and three Viagra pills. Cash and his cellphone were also taken into evidence.

The police interviewed Hughes but the information gathered from the discussion was redacted from the arrest report.

Editor’s note: The following story was derived from information supplied by the Brookline Police Department. It does not indicate a conviction.


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