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SALT LAKE CITY -- A California man has been indicted for forcing a Utah woman to become a prostitute. Brandon L. Walton made his first appearance in federal court in Salt Lake City Thursday.
According to the Deseret News, court documents show Walton is accused of kidnapping a woman at knifepoint in March and taking her to the Motel 8 near 10600 South in Sandy. She says he forced her into prostitution for two months, using a Taser on her and beating her at times. He allegedly advertised the woman on Craigslist.
The victim said she could not escape because she was constantly being watched. The indictment shows even when this woman met with customers, one of Walton's other prostitutes was in a nearby closet or bathroom.
Walton is also accused of sexually assaulting the woman.
The victim worked in Utah, California and New Mexico. While in Utah she escaped when one of the women watching her was outside and another was in the shower.
Walton is charged with kidnapping, transportation for illegal sexual activity and sex trafficking. The Deseret News reports he entered a not guilty plea to the charges Thursday. A trial has been set for Nov. 30.
