Plea Entered In Human Trafficking Case

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — A man has pleaded guilty to two counts of human trafficking in a case involving two teenage girls forced into prostitution.

The New Orleans Advocate reports David Lee was sentenced Thursday to 20 years in prison. He faced a possible life prison term on two counts of trafficking children and a firearms count if convicted.

A co-defendant, Brandy Piland-Deluca, awaits trial on two counts of trafficking children for sex.

Prosecutors say Lee and Piland-Deluca sent two girls, ages 14 and 16, from San Antonio, Texas, to New Orleans around Mardi Gras in February 2010 for purposes of prostitution.

After a short time, New Orleans police found the girls in a motel. Prosecutors say the girls led police to Lee and Piland-Deluca, who were arrested in 2013.

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