5 sentenced for forcing women into prostitution

The Associated Press
Posted: 08/17/2009 09:08:22 PM PDT

LOS ANGELES—Five people who lured Guatemalan women to Los Angeles where they were beaten and forced into prostitution have been sentenced to federal prison terms of 30 to 40 years.

The ringleader, Gladys Vasquez-Valenzuela, got 40 years in prison Monday in U.S. District Court.

Her sister and two nieces got 30 years each. One of her niece's boyfriends got 35 years.

The five were found guilty in February of dozens of counts, including conspiracy and sex trafficking by force and fraud.

The judge said the scheme forced girls as young as 13 to prostitute themselves. Some women saw as many as 30 men per day.

Several victims testified Monday about the brutality they endured and their persistent fears.

The judge said none of the defendants showed any signs of remorse.

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