WFAA-TV

One of the teens charged in the case is escorted to court.

FORT WORTH - Accompanied by their parents, three teens accused of prostituting fellow teens in Fort Worth stood before a judge Tuesday.

The teens are being held at the Kimbo Juvenile Detention Center in Fort Worth. Prosecutors said since it was an adult crime, the alleged ringleaders, who are charged with human trafficking, should face adult penalties.

Blanca Saravia said she headed to court Tuesday hoping a judge would let her daughter out of jail, which didn't happen.

"It's not fair," she said. "My daughter arrested, it's completely not fair."

Police call Saravia's 15-year-old daughter the "enforcer" of a violent teen prostitution ring. She and two other teens were arrested on Monday.

Investigators said the teens are part of the Varrio Central gang, who allegedly beat and gang-raped runaway teenage girls until they agreed to become prostitutes. They also allegedly sold the girls for sex at a Fort Worth apartment complex for $60.

Saravia said she admits her daughter has run into trouble and also has some emotional problems, but said the police arrested the wrong girl.

"Her, no, she did absolutely nothing, nothing," Saravia said. "If she did, the school or I would know."

Two weeks ago, Diego Rodriquez, Martin Reyes and two other teens were arrested for allegedly selling a 14-year-old girl to a 56-year-old store owner, Chang Lee. Investigators said the teens have been running the prostitution ring for two years; and some teens may face charges as adults.

"To take underage girls, as the allegations are, and force them to engage in prostitution, that's a lot," said Tim Bernarnez, Tarrant County assistant district attorney. "That's far, far different than kids just being kids and doing stupid things. That demonstrates a level of sophistication, and quite honestly, a level of evil."

Police said the investigation is not over, and they believe there may be more victims.

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