COLUMBIA, Mo. (AP) - A Missouri man has been indicted for allegedly sex trafficking three female victims, including a minor.
The Columbia Missourian reports Kenneth Jones, 25, was arrested Feb. 23 and accused of forcing a runaway 17-year-old girl into sex work.
Federal prosecutors said Jones was charged Wednesday on suspicion of trafficking the other two victims, both women, between May 1 and June 1.
Investigators said Jones told police he knew the teenager was underage but claimed she was 18 so she could work in a brothel in Columbia. Prosecutors said the teenager wanted to stop sex work but continued out of fear.
The second woman said Jones threatened her with a firearm if she didn't continue prostitution. The third woman ran away from Jones in late May or early June.