MIAMI (WSVN) - A Miami man who calls himself a preacher was arrested, Monday, after being accused forcing several young males to engage in sexual activity.
According to the arrest form released Wednesday, detectives from the Miami-Dade State Attorney’s Office Human Trafficking Task Force were told by several male victims that they were forced to do “sex work” for Ron Maurice Cooper. The victims were between the ages of 16 and 18 years old.
On Wednesday, he was charged with several counts of human trafficking, false imprisonment and unlawful sexual activity with a minor.
“Well, I’ll make it easy for you,” explained Miami-Dade Judge Mindy S. Glazer during the bond hearing. “It’s going to $50,000 on count 3 and $50,000 on count 4, because I believe you pose as a great danger to the community, as well as the children in our community.”
Cooper remains in jail without bond.
Detectives said the victims were approached by Cooper and were asked if they were interested in modeling. Cooper said he was interested in using them as models, and after taking pictures of the victims, the suspect arranged meetings at a hotel.
These meetings, according to detectives, were understood by the victims to be between them, Cooper and a photographer. Each victim said that once they arrived to the hotel room, Cooper allegedly said they were there to engage in sexual activities. Each victim went through with the acts due to peer pressure, detectives said.
The photos of these encounters were allegedly put up on websites with an ad number and email listed, which belonged to the suspect. Cooper went on to respond to inquires about the victims, negotiating a price with each customer.
The so-called preacher, according to the arrest form, then told the victims they had a job to do and they would either be picked up or told to meet at a location. One of these locations was an adult bookstore.
Each of the victims told detectives they were given drugs on the way to customers’ locations because “it would make them sexually aroused.” Cooper allegedly gave the victims Viagra, Xanax and alcohol.
Once the victims were done, Cooper collected a portion of the proceeds.
According to the victims, they were threatened by Cooper, who would reportedly yell at them, screaming, “I’m going to kill you,” or “You better get my [expletive] money!”
The victims added that Cooper told them if they refused the sexual acts, they would have to earn money for him in other illegal ways.
Cooper was taken into custody by police.
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