Women allegedly victims of forced prostitution
Associated Press - January 9, 2009 2:44 PM ET

LOS ANGELES (AP) - Four women and a man are on trial in Los Angeles on allegations of forcing immigrants to sells themselves into prostitution to cover the cost of being smuggled into the country.

The defendants, most of them illegal immigrants from Guatemala, are accused of luring 10 young women into the U.S. with the promise of legitimate work. But prosecutors say the victims were forced to sell themselves on street corners around MacArthur Park near downtown L.A.

Yesterday, 1 of the victims testified that she was held captive, beaten, raped and forced into having sex with up to 10 men a day.

A defense attorney said the women came to the U.S. knowing they would be working as prostitutes.

Authorities became aware of the alleged ring in October 2006.

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