John L. Caruso, the Haverhill tax advisor charged early last year with human trafficking, drug possession and maintaining a house of prostitution, is considering a change of plea from not guilty.
Caruso, 80, was arrested Feb. 16, 2024 by Haverhill Police following an investigation by local and State Police into the reported drug overdose death of an unnamed woman. She was found Jan. 8, 2024, at 173 River St., Haverhill, where the prosecutor said Caruso operated a tax preparation and financial advisory business and owns an apartment building.
Caruso was indicted by an Essex County grand jury and charged with four counts of human trafficking, four drug charges—including one felony—and maintaining a house of prostitution. He was arraigned in Essex County Superior Court on May 13, 2024. He has been out of jail on $75,000 cash bail and on house arrest at the River Street address. He is due back in court in Salem on Friday, Jan. 23, 2026, for a change of plea hearing, according to court documents.
As previously reported by WHAV, cellphones collected by investigators showed evidence of “sexual servitude in exchange for drugs.” Suboxone, cannabis, a crack pipe and Brillo pads for use with the crack pipe were also found. At Caruso’s initial arraignment in Haverhill District Court, Essex County Assistant District Attorney Mark Hintlian told Haverhill District Court Judge Susan H. McNeil that three named victims described their relationship with Caruso as being allowed to use his apartments in exchange for sexual favors.