Four North Carolina men and a woman have been arrested and are now facing charges of sex crimes. The investigation was launched in September after the state’s Department of Social Services says it became aware of statutory sex offenses involving two girls who claimed that they were prostituted to older men by their mother. Both girls are reportedly under the age of 16. According to the teenagers, this has been going on since the beginning of this year.
The 52-year-old mother was arrested on 24 counts each of child abuse by means of prostitution and promoting prostitution. The two girls were placed in the custody of the Department of Social Services. Two men, ages 66 and 67, were subsequently taken into custody, and both of them are facing multiple charges of statutory sex offenses and patronizing a prostitute.
A third man, age 75, fled the country but was taken into custody in Thailand on Nov. 3, and he is facing similar charges along with an additional charge of unlawful flight to avoid prosecution. The latest arrest involved a 55-year-old Eden man who is facing charges of indecent liberties with a minor and another count of patronizing a prostitute. It was reported that he is awaiting a scheduled court appearance in a county jail under bail of $5 million.
Individuals in North Carolina who are facing charges for sex offenses — especially charges that involve minors — often face an uphill battle. Although they are presumed innocent until and unless guilt is proved beyond a reasonable doubt in court, the community will likely judge them long before they have had an opportunity to defend themselves. The stakes are high, and the support of an experienced criminal defense attorney may be vital. A lawyer can take the time to assess and understand the circumstances that led to the charges and fight for a favorable result that is in the best interests of the client.
Source: greensboro.com, “Fifth person charged in Eden teen prostitution ring“, Nov. 19, 2015