LOS ANGELES (AP) - Los Angeles County prosecutors have filed 14 felony counts against a man accused of trafficking teenage girls as young as 13 for prostitution.
The District Attorney’s office alleges Raylonzo Roberts sexually trafficked or sexually assaulted eight girls since 2011. He is also accused of assaulting a 23-year-old woman with a firearm.
Roberts pleaded not guilty in a court appearance Wednesday afternoon.
Prosecutors contend he physically assaulted two of the girls - one because she failed to make enough money and another because she left him to work for another pimp.
The 40-year-old Los Angeles resident was arrested Monday. He faces charges including human trafficking, assault and committing a lewd act on a child.
Prosecutors are asking that bail be set at $4.5 million.
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