Man Accused of Holding Woman Captive for Six Weeks After Meeting on Dating App

A 29-year-old man is facing charges after allegedly holding a woman captive in an unfinished attic for six weeks in Malden, Massachusetts. Jordende Pierre was arrested on charges including trafficking a person for sexual servitude, kidnapping, and indecent assault and battery.

Authorities discovered the woman, who was allegedly trafficked and sexually assaulted, in the attic of a multi-family home on Sunday. The victim was found naked and malnourished, according to NBC Boston. "She clearly had not eaten. She was dirty. She was living, essentially, in squalor in this attic area," Middlesex County Assistant District Attorney Jacob McCrindle stated in court.

Pierre allegedly met the woman through a dating app and subsequently held her captive. Prosecutors claim he sexually assaulted her and forced her to engage in sexual encounters with at least six other men. Authorities also allege that Pierre provided the woman with drugs and removed the handle from the attic door to prevent her escape.

The victim had a history of substance abuse and was previously in a rehabilitation facility before her alleged abduction. Pierre is accused of supplying her with drugs within the attic.

The landlord, Qing Sun, discovered the victim and Pierre while investigating a water leak in the unfinished attic. Sun stated that Pierre was not a tenant and that she was unaware anyone was living in the attic.

"It’s a disturbing situation," Sun told the outlet. "This guy is not on the list. I’m not aware this guy is living there... And I’m not aware anybody living in the attic. Nobody’s supposed to live there."

Pierre was arrested on Thursday by a joint effort involving the Malden Police Department, the FBI Violent Crimes Task Force, and U.S. Marshals. He also has an open case for assault and battery with a dangerous weapon in Somerville and was reportedly out on bail at the time of the alleged offenses.

Neighbors described the property as "Frankenstein’s home" and noted a "rotating cast of characters" coming and going. One neighbor, Tarra Sewell, expressed shock, stating, "I would never, ever imagine something happening so close to my home. … That’s really, really scary."

Pierre is currently being held without bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for October 6. Dennis Matulewicz, head of the U.S. Marshals Service for the District of Massachusetts, commended the "outstanding coordination" of law enforcement agencies that led to the arrest.