Missouri man charged with sex trafficking of a minor

COLUMBIA, Mo. — A Missouri man has been indicted on chargs of sex trafficking three female victims, including a minor.

The Columbia Missourian reported 25-year-old Kenneth Jones was arrested Feb. 23 and accused of forcing a runaway 17-year-old girl into sex work.

Federal prosecutors said Jones was charged Wednesday on suspicion of trafficking the other two victims, both women, between May 1 and June 1.

Investigators said Jones told police he knew the teenager was underage but claimed she was 18 so she could work in a brothel in Columbia. Prosecutors said the teenager wanted to stop sex work but continued out of fear.

The second woman said Jones threatened her with a firearm if she didn’t continue prostitution. The third woman ran away from Jones in late May or early June.

Information from: Columbia Missourian, http://www.columbiamissourian.com