August 28, 2015- Two missing girls from California, aged 13 and 15, were brought to New Jersey to work as prostitutes by 53-year-old Bogart Velasco of Fresno, CA. Velasco was part of a larger human trafficking organization in the area.
Velasco brought the teenage girls to Hackensack, N.J. where he sexually assaulted them and forced them to work as call girls. Police discovered via social media that the girls were being held at a local motel.
On Wednesday August 26, 2015 police arrested Velasco. “He is accused of promoting ‘arrangements and opportunities for prostitution’ involving the minors.”
Bergen County Prosecutor John L. Molinelli said, “The investigation is continuing and investigators are attempting to identify any other victims or employees of this illegal prostitution operation.”
Velasco is being held on , “multiple counts of human trafficking, sexual assault, employing a juvenile in prostitution, child endangerment and criminal sexual contact. Bail for Velasco was set at $500,000, with no 10-percent option.”
Officials said that both girls are now with state child welfare officials.
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