Shortly after arriving here, investigators say Tovar told the victim she would have to work in an apartment as a prostitute. The victim was allegedly threatened with physical harm if she refused.
Tovar kept all the money from the sex acts the victim was allegedly coerced into performing. The 16-year-old victim eventually told a relative residing the United States about her situation. The relative, in turn, notified the Houston Police Department, who rescued her on June 8 and arrested Tovar.
A federal court has ordered Tovar to remain in federal custody without bond pending trial. If convicted of this offense, Tovar faces a minimum of 10 years to a maximum punishment of life imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
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