An investigation by the Gilroy Police Department on Thursday revealed an alleged “prostitution ring” involving a 13-year-old girl inside a motel on the 5500 block of Monterey Road, according to a press release.
A sweep of the building at approximately 5 p.m. Thursday resulted in the arrests of five suspects, three from Gilroy and two from Seaside, who were charged with felony human trafficking and conspiracy charges.
Yahya Abul Malik, of Gilroy, was allegedly using the young girl – who was reported as a runaway by her mother on Tuesday – as a prostitute, said GPD Sgt. Pedro Espinoza. The 22-year-old suspect was slapped with additional charges including committing lewd acts with a child, oral copulation with a minor, enticing a minor for sex, pimping, pandering and other charges.
Four other suspects were present during the GPD’s sweep of two motel rooms. The suspects all “had knowledge of the illicit activity,” police say.
Yahya Malik and 24-year-old Khalid Abdul Malik, of Gilroy; 21-year-old Randi Marshade Neely, of Gilroy; 21-year-old Invan Diego Wage, of Seaside; and 19-year-old Marvina Kim Jones, of Seaside; were transported to the Santa Clara County Jail and booked and human trafficking and conspiracy charges.
Police were originally tipped off by the 13-year-old girl’s mother, who on Tuesday reported her as a runaway to local authorities.
“The subsequent investigation by (GPD) officers revealed a prostitution ring involving the above group,” Espinoza said. “It was determined that the female juvenile victim had an on-going relationship with (Yahya Malik).”
“There is no indication at this point to suggest that the victim had been taken by force,” Espinoza added.
Back on Sept. 5, during a preliminary hearing in Riverside Superior Court, Yahya Malik was cleared of previous, separate charges stemming from his arrest in mid-August for alleged kidnapping, sexual assault and pimping after the alleged victim recanted her story. According to John Hall, spokesman for the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office, all charges against Malik and four others were released from custody after the alleged victim informed the court she fabricated the story.
GPD detectives are actively pursuing leads and the investigation into the alleged prostitution ring on the 5500 block of Monterey Road is ongoing, reads the press release. Anyone with information is urged to contact GPD Det. Rob Basuino at (408) 846-0350. Parties wishing to remain anonymous may call We-Tip at 1-800-782-7463 (1-800-78-CRIME).
