http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8842245/
MT. HOLLY, N.J. - Police say a South Jersey madam forced a 16-year-old runaway to become a prostitute. Now the alleged leader of the prostitution ring is in custody and the teenager is back with her family.
Michelle Plaza, 29, is being held on $70,000 full bail.
The prosecutor's office said that she even advertised her illegal business in the local newspaper. They said that Plaza befriended the 16-year-old runaway in Camden, N.J., took her into her home and then forced her into prostitution. Plaza squirmed and shuffled Friday as the assistant prosecutor read details of the charges against her.
"The juvenile indicated to police that Miss Plaza was well aware that she was a juvenile, 16 when she began," the assistant prosecutor said.
Authorities said that the 16-year-old called police after eight months of prostitution, allegedly for Plaza's illegal business. Prosecutors said that two days later the girl was attacked.
"(She) was essentially set up by the defendant to come out of her parents' residence where she had returned, where she was then severely beaten by a number of individuals who came at her from all directions," the assistant prosecutor said.
Officials said that the 16-year-old is in danger, indicating that Plaza wants revenge. They referred to a phone call that Plaza made to a friend.
"Police were able to clearly hear her say some comments (such as), 'Do you know who we're talking about, what we're doing and you know what you need to do on your end,'" the assistant prosecutor said.
Plaza allegedly ran the prostitution business out of various Maple Shade and Mount Laurel motels for three years, charging up to $150 an hour.
The prosecutor said that an adult prostitute allegedly working for Plaza confirmed the 16-year-old's story. Plaza faces 10 to 20 years in state prison if she's convicted.
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