Man Lured Teens Into Prostitution On Pretext Of Saving Sex-Trafficking Victims

A Florida man, who launched a non-profit organization for sex-trafficking victims, was actually luring teens into prostitution. He was arrested last month and charged with sex-trafficking, prosecutors said.

He was denied bond by a judge in November who gauged him a threat to the community. The man now faces three counts of sex trafficking by force, along with charges of conspiracy to sex traffic minors, sex trafficking of a minor and transportation of an individual for prostitution.

William Foster had reportedly started the non-profit organization called Foster’s Care, Inc. in 2014 which was formally brought to an end in 2015. However, Foster still ran it online and provided his phone number in the “contacts” page. It allegedly offered to save vulnerable young women who had been victims of sex trafficking.

His misdeeds came to light after a teen, identified as “victim 3” had approached the police. The FBI agents began an investigation into the case in 2017. He allegedly forced her to perform as an exotic dancer and engage in commercial sex. Foster consistently targeted teenage girls and vulnerable young women over a period of 15 years, according to a criminal complaint filed in U.S. District Court on Nov. 14.

The organization's website promised “a comprehensive restoration program for victims of Human Sex Trafficking,” and “protection in partnership with police and FBI,” the Washington Post reported, citing the complaint.

Foster had allegedly deprived the girls of the money that they made from prostitution after promising them luxurious sports cars and designer clothes, law enforcement officials, said.

Foster used “deceit, manipulation and fear of physical harm to cajole women and minor females to engage in commercial sex,” the criminal complaint against him, read. A “lemon juice diet” was prescribed for girls under his control to lose weight. They were also made to get breast and buttocks implants and undergo surgeries like nose jobs, liposuction, and even rib removal.

Two women, Hanah Chan and Ashleigh Holloway, who worked as recruiters and money handlers under Foster, were also charged with sex-trafficking on Monday, the Palm Beach Post reported.

Foster’s attorney, David Howard, said his client was innocent and he pleaded not guilty to the charges.