Couple Accused of Running Prostitution Ring in Los Angeles and Orange Counties

A husband and wife were arrested and charged with running a prostitution ring out of two upscale apartment buildings in Pasadena and Irvine, according to a Los Angeles Times news report. The couple allegedly managed about two dozen women, who officials say, charged $200 per hour. In addition to the couple, four other men between the ages of 20 and 45 were also arrested on prostitution charges. The couple is facing charges of pimping and pandering. Officials said they initially suspected that human trafficking was involved, but later discovered that the women were attracted to the Los Angeles and Orange County business because of relatively higher pay.

According to California Penal Code Section 647 (b), committing prostitution means “any lewd act between persons for money or other consideration.” Pandering, defined under Section 266 i of the California Penal Code, is considered to be a crime committed by a pimp – recruiting prostitutes and soliciting customers for prostitution services. If you are convicted of prostitution or pandering, you are looking at significant jail time, probation, community service, AIDS testing, fines, and other penalties.

If you are facing solicitation of prostitution or pandering charges, please contact the Los Angeles and Orange County prostitution criminal defense lawyers at Sitkoff & Hanrahan. We believe that everyone deserves quality legal representation after an arrest. Your lifestyle or social status should not determine the kind of justice you receive. If you have been charged with an allegation of prostitution, our skilled sex crime defense attorneys can assist California business owners and massage parlor operators accused of providing prostitutes, call girls or sexual services. Call us today at 866-430-8383 for a free consultation.

Source: http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-prostitution7-2010jan07,0,2040986.story