Three brothers from Mexico have pleaded guilty to sex trafficking charges in New York.
Authorities say girls as young as 14 were brought to the U.S. from Mexico and forced to work as prostitutes. The victims were beaten to compel them to work and as punishment for not earning enough money.
Federal authorities say the prosecution is part of a larger anti-trafficking program that has resulted in 52 indictments and rescued more than 100 victims, including 17 minors.
An Oct. 1 sentencing is scheduled in Brooklyn for Benito Lopez-Perez; Anastasio Romero-Perez; and Jose Gabino Barrientos-Perez.
The charges carry penalties of anywhere from 10 years to life in prison.
The brothers are from Tenancingo, Mexico.
Copyright AP - Associated Press
