Austin police are working with the U.S. Attorney’s office to file more serious charges against a Kansas couple accused of forcing a 16-year-old into child prostitution.
Quincy Gholar and Jennifer Russell are both charged with compelling prostitution, a second degree felony.
Police want to file human trafficking charges against the two, which is a first degree felony for crimes against children under 18 years old.
Police say the Internet and social media sites make it easier for predators to find victims, including children.
Suggestive ads are common on sites such as Craigslist and Backpage.com. Some even specify they are looking for young girls and boys.
Facebook, Myspace, and Twitter also give predators platforms to connect with young victims.
The Austin Police Department has a special unit that is devoted to stopping the exploitation of children online. Two detectives investigate tips from parents and teachers, and even conduct undercover stings.
Detectives also warn families to closely monitor kid’s online activity.
“If a child has email then the parent should have total and complete access unrestricted access. The same thing with blog pages, video games, you name it,” said Detective Joel Pridgeon.
Child advocates say a runaway child will be propositioned by a predator within 48 hours of leaving home.
The 16-year-old victim involved in prostitution last week is now held at a juvenile detention center in Austin. She is an undocumented Mexican immigrant; however, police say they do not plan to deport her.
