Commonwealth v. Halstrom

The defendants appeal from multiple convictions of inducing a minor to become a prostitute, G. L. c. 272, § 4A, and deriving support from a minor prostitute, G. L. c. 272, § 4B.2 Both defendants argue that the jury instructions were erroneous with regard to the definition of “inducement,” that there was insufficient evidence as to inducement, and that the prosecutor’s closing argument was improper. The defendant Melissa Halstrom contends that the instruction regarding deriving support from prostitution was erroneous. The defendant Anthony Gorgoglione argues that his motion to sever should…