An Essequibo River rum shop owner was yesterday charged with holding another woman against her will for prostitution.
Natasha Rodrigues, of 478 Block X Cornelia Ida, West Coast Demerara, was remanded to prison by acting Chief Magistrate Priya Sewnarine-Beharry at the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court. It was alleged that between November 26 and December 5, at Goat Creek, Essequibo River, Rodrigues harboured the woman against her will for the purpose of sexual exploitation.
Rodrigues, a mother of four, pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to her by the magistrate.
Police Prosecutor Stephen Telford told the court that Rodrigues had already contracted a client for the woman. According to Telford, Rodrigues operates a rum shop in the Goat Creek area and had encouraged the virtual complainant to work in the shop for an income.
Telford related that after taking the woman to the shop to work, Rodrigues told her that she “would have to engage in prostitution if she wanted to make a living.”
Attorney Peter Hugh, who represented Rodrigues, told the court that his client was innocent of the charge and was prepared to vigorously contest them and clear her name. Hugh contended that Rodrigues had actually rescued the virtual complainant from dire circumstances.
Rodrigues was subsequently remanded and the case was transferred to the Bartica Magistrates’ Court for January 5.
