MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) - Federal prosecutors in Memphis say a man forced a prostitute who he was pimping to continue working for him despite her being pregnant with his child.
In an opening statement Monday, the prosecution told jurors Terrence "T-Rex" Yarbrough beat the woman with a wire coat hanger and tortured her dog when she resisted.
The Commercial Appeal appeal reported Yarbrough, who is 36, is accused of running a national human trafficking ring. Eight women and four teens are ready to testify against him.
Yarbrough faces 14 counts that could bring 15 years to life in prison upon conviction.
Defense attorney Eugene Laurenzi told the jury the women carried cellphones and could have left at any time.
