Three illegal immigrants suspected of forcing teens into prostitution

(Columbia-AP) March 28, 2007 - Court documents show a 14-year-old girl from Mexico was smuggled into the United States and forced into prostitution by three illegal immigrants suspected of running a prostitution ring in North and South Carolina.

The State newspaper reports a federal detention hearing was held Tuesday for two men suspected of holding or transporting illegal immigrants for prostitution.

A sworn statement from an agent with Immigration and Customs Enforcement says the alleged ringleader, Guadalupe Reyes-Rivera, was being sought on similar charges.

Bail was denied for a Jesus Perez-Laguna. The agent says he arranged for the teen to be smuggled into the country.

Ciro Bustos-Rosales was being held Wednesday at the Richland County jail on charges of prostitution, pimping and soliciting.

Authorities say a 19-year-old girl and 31-year-old woman also were involved in the prostitution ring.

Posted 5:32pm by Chantelle Janelle