Minnesota Cheerleader Accused of Sex-Trafficking Teammate, 16
A Minnesota cheerleader is accused of being more than a mean girl. The high school senior allegedly pimped out a fellow teammate online, investigators say.
Montia Marie Parker, 18, of Maple Grove, Minnesota, was booked into Hennepin County jail last month on charges of sex trafficking and promoting prostitution. She allegedly coerced a 16-year-old fellow cheerleader to engage in oral sex for money, reports the Star Tribune.
Parker faces serious criminal penalties under Minnesota law for essentially tricking out her classmate, who was receiving special-education services.
The Cheerleader's Charges
The barely legal Parker is being charged under Minnesota's sex trafficking laws, legislation that was updated in 2011 to protect the underage victims of sex trafficking, reports the Star Tribune.
Sex trafficking is defined by the Minnesota law as:
- Recruiting, enticing or obtaining an individual to prostitute that individual, or
- Receiving profit from an act of prostitution.
Prosecutors charge that Parker told the younger cheerleader to post pictures of herself on Backpage.com, a haunt for teenage (and adult) prostitution, and told her that she could make money from giving men oral sex, reports the Twin Cities' KMSP-TV.
Website Used For Underage Pimping
Authorities allege that Parker posted an ad for her 16-year-old peer on Backpage.com, listing Parker's number as the contact information.
Minnesota's criminal statutes make it clear that a person who "solicits or procures patrons for a prostitute" is guilty of a felony, and can face up to 20 years in prison if that prostitute is underage.
Since Parker allegedly coerced a 16-year-old girl to give a man oral sex, for which she gave Parker the $60 dollars she was paid, there seems to be little question that Parker may be facing serious jail time, reports the Star Tribune.
Enhanced Penalty for School Zone
As well as attempting to prevent minors from being victims of sex trafficking, Minnesota laws seek to punish sex traffickers who pimp individuals out on school grounds.
If Parker is found guilty of sex trafficking while in a school zone, a court could extend her maximum sentence by three years in prison.
Related Resources:
- Minnesota cheerleader busted for 'pimping out' another student (The Associated Press)
- 'Hero Cop' Charged With Rape, Human Trafficking (FindLaw's Blotter)
- Super Bowl a Magnet for Child Sex Trade (FindLaw's Blotter)
- NY Sex Trafficking Couple Charged in Baby Death (FindLaw's Blotter)