Man accused of bringing teens to Chicago for prostitution
WATERLOO, Iowa (AP) - An eastern Iowa man has been arrested after allegedly bringing two teenage girls to Chicago from Iowa and forcing them into prostitution.
Prosecutors say 18-year-old Ferid Mahalbasic, of Waterloo, is charged with involuntary sexual servitude of a minor and involuntary servitude. Bail was set at $400,000 Tuesday.
Prosecutors say Mahalbasic convinced the girls, age 17 and 18, to post ads online promising sexual acts in exchange for money. They say he then allegedly forced the girls to perform sexual acts after setting up meetings with men, collecting money and threatening to publicize their behavior if they didn't meet his demands.
A lawyer for Mahalbasic could not be located. He is set to next appear in court Jan. 30.
Article Comments
Guidelines: Keep it civil and on topic; no profanity, vulgarity, slurs or personal attacks. People who harass others or joke about tragedies will be blocked.
If a comment violates these standards or our terms of service, click the "flag" link in the lower-right corner of the comment box. To find our more, read our FAQ.