MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com)— Teenage runaways in the Mid-South are being forced into a life of prostitution and stripping. Shelby County Sheriff's deputies say it's a growing problem.
Investigators tell abc24.com these girls are lured in with money, expensive gifts, and the promise of a flashy lifestyle, but they end up nothing more than property used for sex and entertainment.
One Memphis mother fears her 16-year-old daughter could now be a prisoner of the streets.
"I just want whoever has her to know that she is 16-years-old and that she needs to return home,” said Canisha Walton.
Since her daughter, Asia Braddock, went missing in November, Walton has spent her days passing out flyers, not giving up hope.
"My daughter is bipolar. She's on medication, but she can be dangerous to herself and others."
Walton says her daughter has run away in the past, but never for this long. She fears Braddock has been forced into a life of stripping or prostitution. It's a story all too familiar to Sergeant Vicky Malone of the Shelby County Sheriff's Office.
“We are seeing a much greater problem today than we saw 5 years ago,” said Sergeant Vicky Malone.
Malone says a majority of female runaways end up being taken in and used by older men.
“Any juvenile female is easily persuaded with money, presents, clothes, and that's what's happening, they're vulnerable,” Malone said.
Many are dragged into prostitution.
"That is dangerous. These men will beat them up if they don't do what they're told to do. They will force them into abortions if they get pregnant,” Malone told abc24.com.
Walton can only pray her daughter will return home soon.
"My biggest fear is that one day they will be knocking on my door saying that they can’t find my child or that my child is dead,” said Walton.
Asia Braddock has a tattoo across her chest that says "cookie." If you have any information about her whereabouts, call the Shelby County Sheriff's Office at 901-379-7625 or Detective Silver Lomax at 901-222-5612.
