A Crown Point man is accused of pimping two women by force, including sending one of the women to a hospital for her injuries, according to federal court records.
More Top Picks Creating A Heart Failure Action Plan
Joseph Uvalle, 33, pleaded not guilty at an arraignment hearing earlier this week to one charge each of sex trafficking by fraud or coercion and transporting a woman across state lines for prostitution.
According to records in the case, which was unsealed Wednesday in the U.S. District Court in Hammond, the crimes happened from March 1 through June 24. Brian Woodward, Uvalle’s attorney, could not be reached for comment.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Andrew Rodovich ordered Uvalle held without bond, and according to his detention order, federal attorneys said that he abused his two victims, which included pulling out a chunk of hair from one of the women. He threatened more harm if they didn’t prostitute themselves, according to the order.
Uvalle also has a criminal history that includes sexual battery and robbery convictions, the order says, and a history of not appearing for court hearings.
In another court filing, federal attorneys say one of his victims had to receive in-patient medical help because of Uvalle.
The filing also says that the website Backpage.com, known as a site for prostitution ads, plays a role in the case.
A jury trial has been set for Oct. 26.