No Bail for Man Accused of Trafficking, Raping Teen

The victim is now in the state child welfare agency's custody

A Worcester, Massachusetts man faced a judge for human trafficking and rape charges after police say he paid $5,000 to smuggle a 14-year-old girl into the country, held her captive and sexually assaulted her. 

Twenty-two-year-old Luis Santos was ordered to be held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing by a judge on Tuesday following his arrest last week.

Police say the girl apparently began talking with Santos on Facebook from El Salvador. She arrived in Worcester last month. 

Police say she was forced to live in Santos' apartment and share his bed. The girl accused Santos of touching her on multiple occasions. 

Police say she was locked in a room and wasn't allowed to use a phone or attend school most of the time. 

In court, Santos' attorney denied the charges, and said he has lived with his family in the area for a year since moving from El Salvadore himself.

A judge also granted the teen, who has been placed into DCF custody, and her guardian a restraining order against Santos.

Santos' next court date is Jan. 23.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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