Alleged Victims Of Human Trafficking For Sex In Philadelphia Speak In Federal Court
By Tony Hanson
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Testimony in an alleged human trafficking for prostitution case has ended in federal court in Philadelphia.
The jury has heard from three women -- including a woman who was just 16 years old at the time, and they have testified they worked for the defendant, who allegedly used violence and the threat of violence to control them.
During questioning by prosecutor Michelle Morgan, one victim told the jury she was beaten by defendant Rahim McIntyre one time because she was simply too tired to work anymore:
"I went into the room and I was getting ready to lay down to go to sleep and he came in about ten minutes after me and busted through the door and he hit me with a metal hanger on my feet and legs because I disrespected him."
When asked by Morgan why he was hitting her feet and legs, the victim responded, "because my feet hurt, that's what I said, my feet hurt, I was tired and I wanted to go home and sleep."
One woman says she fled in the middle of the night. The defense challenged the women's credibility, suggesting they worked willingly as prostitutes turned on him to avoid prosecution.
The defendant has pleaded not guilty. Closing arguments in the case are scheduled for Monday.
