ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — A New Mexico judge has ruled that the parents of a 7-year-old girl who authorities say was abused and sexually exploited must remain jailed as they await trial in the case.
The girl's father is charged with human trafficking, promoting prostitution and other counts, while the mother was taken into custody on charges of child abuse and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
The ruling Tuesday came after attorneys gave closing arguments in a detention hearing for the couple that unfolded like a mini-trial over several days. Multiple witnesses gave testimony, including law enforcement and a teacher, who spoke emotionally about reporting her concerns about the girl to authorities.
The couple's attorneys questioned the reliability of the state's evidence.