'Sex Dungeon' Suspect From Ellington Faces Additional Charges

VERNON, CT — An Ellington man arrested nearly a year ago in connection with a human trafficking investigation is now facing additional charges, as a warrant was served on him Friday during an appearance at Rockville Superior Court.

Simon Hessler, 47, was initially charged by the State Police Computer Crimes Unit on Nov. 13, 2018 with attempted trafficking in persons, second-degree sexual assault, cruelty to persons, risk of injury to a minor, unlawful restraint and felony patronizing a prostitute. He has been held in lieu of $1 million bond since that date.

After extensive analysis by the Connecticut State Police forensic lab, an additional arrest warrant was obtained adding four counts each of fourth-degree sexual assault and fourth-degree risk of injury/impairing the morals of a child. A court-set bond of $75,000 was added, state police said.

The new charges are part of a continuing investigation that began with proactive undercover investigations into human trafficking. State police said Hessler was attempting to exchange a preteen girl for money, but the girl was instead a trooper posing as a child.

On the day following his 2018 arrest, the computer crimes unit and the Eastern District Major Crime Squad were at 615 Talcottville Road in Vernon, searching the building via a warrant in a "follow up investigation from the arrest." That search yielded whips, chains, handcuffs and a cage, and served as a "sex dungeon" for Hessler, police said.

Hessler is the owner of the Baymont Inn & Suites in Manchester, and was a member of the Ellington ambulance corps, according to police.

State police believe there may be other victims that have not come forward or have more information. Anyone with further information is asked to contact Det Samantha McCord at 203-427-4062.