Crime & Safety

Allentown Man Charged with Running Prostitution Ring from Jail

Proceeds were deposited into his commissary account at the correctional facility, the indictment alleges.

An Allentown man previously charged with sex trafficking of a minor was indicted Thursday on charges of conspiracy to use an interstate facility in aid of prostitution business; transportation of a minor to engage in prostitution; coercion and enticement to engage in prostitution; and obstruction, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in New Jersey said.

Francisco Torrellas, also known as “Francisco Fordham,” “Dream,” “Daddy” and “Pretty,” was indicted on one count of sex trafficking of a minor on June 27, 2012, a charge that remains in place.

According to the 10-count superseding indictment returned by the federal grand jury and other court documents, Torrellas conspired with others to operate a prostitution business in Pennsylvania and New Jersey from November 2010 to February 2013. Torrellas managed the business , traveled and made prostitutes travel across state lines “for the purpose of engaging in sex acts in exchange for money,” the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.

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Torrellas posted ads for sexual services online, according to the indictment, and set rules for prostitutes and booked hotel rooms for them.

While Torrelles was incarcerated, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said, he continued to “manage, promote and carry on his prostitution business,” and had the proceeds deposited into his commissary account at the Essex County Correctional Facility.

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The U.S. Attorney’s Office also said that Torrelles tried to “influence, delay or prevent” the testimony of others involved in the case.

If convicted, Torrelles faces a maximum term of life in prison, and a fine of $250,000 or twice the amount of the gain or loss from the offense for each count of the conviction.

U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman thanked the FBI and Allentown, Secaucus and Jersey City police for their work on the case.

The U.S. government is being represented by U.S. Attorneys Danielle Corcione and Jenny Kramer.


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