SEATTLE — Authorities have arrested a Seattle woman and her boyfriend on suspicion of forcing the woman’s 17-year-old relative into prostitution.
The Seattle Times reports 22-year-old Ayesha Barquet and 32-year-old James Croone Jr. were arrested last week in an undercover operation at a Seattle hotel. They have been charged with promoting the commercial sex abuse of a minor.
Charging documents say Barquet recruited and advertised the girl online and Croone drove the girl to meet with different customers.
Police began their investigation in September after the girl was treated at a hospital, where staff called authorities to report the girl had been raped.
The charging papers say Barquet was a distant relative of the girl through marriage.
Court records show Barquet and Croone were booked into the King County Jail.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.