A Sri Lankan religious leader serving as a university chaplain in the United States has been accused of soliciting prostitution after being arrested during an undercover police operation in Boston.
According to the Boston Police Department, Rev. Mahayaye-Vineetha Thero, 32, was among seven individuals taken into custody during an operation conducted by its Human Trafficking Unit on June 13. All seven suspects are expected to be arraigned in Boston Municipal Court on charges related to allegedly paying for sexual services.
The Boston Police Department said the arrests were made during an undercover operation aimed at combating commercial sexual exploitation and identifying potential victims of human trafficking.
Rev. Mahayaye-Vineetha Thero was appointed chaplain at Tufts University in 2024. Local media reports said he resigned from the position following the arrest.
Police said the investigation remains ongoing and urged anyone with information related to human trafficking activities to contact investigators.
The allegations have not been proven in court, and all those charged are presumed innocent unless found guilty. (Newswire)
