S.C. parents accused of sex trafficking their 14-year-old daughter to 67-year-old man
05/24/2024 1:40 pm PDT
ANDERSON COUNTY, S.C. (TCD) -- Two parents stand accused of sex trafficking their underage daughter for money.
In a news release and video posted by the Anderson County Sheriff’s Office, detective Will Freestate said April Lawrence and James Wilson allegedly made a "concerted effort" to "find people that would give them money," and their "children were the currency."
The investigation into Lawrence and Wilson began in April. The couple allegedly brought their 14-year-old daughter to a 67-year-old man in Greenville County whenever he asked.
Further investigation revealed the man would reportedly send the parents a text message and $20 via Cash App each time. In total, the parents allegedly made over $1,000 while trafficking their daughter.
The 14-year-old girl reportedly told detectives she didn’t want to go to the man’s home anymore, but her father made her.
According to the sheriff’s office, another man, Willem Barendsen, took advantage of the parents’ offer. He was wanted and subsequently charged with criminal sexual conduct with a minor.
Lawrence and Wilson were booked into the Anderson County Jail on a charge of human trafficking, and they were both denied bond.
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