In November 2021, two girls who were staying at a foster home in Southwest Ranches, Florida, ran away together.
The pair, ages 17 and 13 at the time, did not have arrangements for where they were going to live, or how they would obtain food and other necessities.
It was reported that the older girl, now 18, used social media to find men who were willing to trade sexual favors from the young women in exchange for money, food, and hotel room rentals.
According to reports, the 13-year-old did not want to take part in sexual acts with the men, but the older girl reportedly pressured her and told her that she would not receive any money from the encounters if she did not participate.
On one occasion, the younger girl was promised money before she was assaulted by two men, but afterward, the 18-year-old reportedly refused to give it to her.
The 13-year-old found a way to leave the hotel room in which the pair was staying, and she reported the situation to the Plantation Police Department.
The authorities opened an investigation, and they reported that they searched the contents of a cell phone they believe belongs to the 18-year-old. They allegedly saw her sexually violating the young girl in digital media files that were posted on social media.
On January 2, the 18-year-old was placed under arrest and booked into the Broward County Jail. She is facing several six criminal charges including sex trafficking of a minor and several counts of lewd and lascivious battery of a victim under the age of 16.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a sexual offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.