A Bush Lot woman was yesterday charged with trafficking a teenaged girl for prostitution.
It was alleged that shop owner Nafeeza Mohammed, of Lot 17 Bush Lot, Essequibo Coast, between April 26 and May 31, in Region One, received, transported and harboured the teen for the purpose of sexual exploitation. Mohammed pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Prosecutor Deniro Jones related that the 17-year-old victim was taken by the accused under the pretence that she would be working in a shop.
However, when the teen arrived, she was forced into prostitution instead. The victim subsequently reported the matter to the police.
The prosecutor requested that bail be granted in a substantial amount and Chief Magistrate Ann McLennan set bail at $300,000.
A few minutes after the matter’s adjournment, however, Mohammed’s lawyer, Melvin Duke, made an appearance and was successful in having the bail reduced to $230,000 on the grounds that the woman has three small children and a limited income.
The matter has been transferred to the Matthews Ridge Magistrate’s Court, where a hearing is set for August 3.
