A South Los Angeles woman who uses the moniker “Pretty Hoe” on social media is expected to plead not guilty Friday to federal sex trafficking charges that include allegations that she used the internet to solicit two underage girls to engage in prostitution.
Melanie Denae Williams was named in a five-count indictment returned this week by a federal grand jury in Los Angeles. The indictment specifically alleges one count of sex trafficking of an adult by force, fraud, or coercion; two counts of sex trafficking of a minor; and two counts of enticement of a minor to engage in prostitution.
Williams, 22, has been held without bond in a federal lockup since she was taken into custody on Feb. 7 pursuant to a criminal complaint that followed her initial Christmas Eve arrest by local authorities, according to federal prosecutors.
The affidavit in support of the complaint outlines Williams’ alleged abuse of a woman she had recruited via social media to work as a prostitute. Williams allegedly ordered the unnamed victim to strip off her clothes, and then threw bleach on the woman and beat her with her hands and a broomstick, according to the affidavit.
If convicted as charged, Williams faces up to life in federal prison, prosecutors said.
—City News Service