A woman accused of tricking two young girls into prostitution stood in front of a judge Tuesday looking to reduce her bond.
Eighteen-year-old Jessi Larkie walked into court charged with two counts of sexual trafficking of child.
"She has no prior record, she's never been charged with anything," Carl Bussey, Larkie's attorney, said as he asked the judge to reduce Larkie's $75,000 cash-only bond.
In court records, FBI agents said Larkie and her boyfriend, Darnell Williams, used Facebook to friend, then prostitute, two teenage girls. Williams is also charged with two counts of sexual trafficking of a child.
Court documents describe that one of the girls was forced to perform sex acts between 80 to 90 times. Larkie was allegedly there for each one.
The prosecution said Tuesday the evidence in this case is strong. One assistant prosecutor pointed to the Facebook messages between Larkie and the victims and the ledger that Larkie and her boyfriend kept to track the money her victims earned.
Larkie pleaded not guilty.
Judge Janette Kay Rodecap denied their request for a bond reduction.
Larkie's attorney told 41 Action News it's unfair for his client who is a first-time offender.
"[She's] never been in trouble, there's nothing, there's no harm at anything that's been done I know there has to be trial but in terms of bond she should have been released," Bussey said.
Some of Larkie’s family and friends were in court watching the hearing but didn't say much afterwards.
Larkie goes back to court July 18.
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Andres Gutierrez can be reached at andres.gutierrez@kshb.com
