The family counselor accusing of pimping in San Bernardino County was charged on Friday with 44 felonies, including coercing a minor into prostitution.
Daron Lamar Whitworth, 42, is one of three people accused of selling sexual services online and coercing at least one 15-year-old girl to act as a prostitute. He was arrested Thursday.
Prosecutors suggests what may be most shocking is Whitworth's position as a counselor. Instead of comforting and protecting local children, he's accused of enslaving at least one.
"The counselor is a trusted individual, as a member of our society," said Deputy District Attorney Melissa Rodriguez. "The fact that he was a counselor is a prevalent part of this case
Authorities are still searching for Whitworth's uncle, Jacory Williams, for his role in allegedly helping his nephew. Charmaine Williams, 24, of San Bernardino, was also named in the complaint filed Thursday and is in custody in Los Angeles County on unrelated charges.
All three face the following felony charges, according to the county DA:
- human trafficking,
- pimping a minor under 16 years of age,
- pandering by procuring a minor under age 16,
- child abuse,
- procuring a child to engage in a lewd act,
- contact and communicating with a minor for a sexual offense,
- multiple counts of unlawful sexual Intercourse with a minor,
- corporal Injury to cohabitant,
- false imprisonment by violence,
- and sodomy of a person under 18.
If convicted, Whitworth faces 37 years in prison.
