The investigation into the first case began on Feb. They also tracked down some of the men who responded to the posts. Petersburg are accused of responding to the ads. Zakel, detectives said, met with the year-old girl and paid her to perform a sexual act.
Frutos is accused of meeting with the year-old on at least three occasions to engage in sexual activity. At least three other girls, one 15 and two 17, were approached. The second case began to unfold in February when Pinellas deputies received a call about a teenage girl who was posting ads on the website Backpage.
Through the course of their investigation, detectives learned that the victim met the two suspects in the case via MeetMe. On March 6, the two adults arrested in this case are accused of picking up the year-old victim and taking her to a St.
Petersburg hotel. The girl, deputies say, was forced to turn over proceeds from the acts of prostitution to the two. Surveillance on the two suspects began on Monday with both being brought into custody that day. Those arrested are:. Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts. Sherri Lonon , Patch Staff. Posted Tue, Apr 7, at pm ET. Find out what's happening in St. Pete for free with the latest updates from Patch.
All three men were arrested Monday. Charges against them are as follows: Julian J. Montoya III. Zakel Watersedge Blvd. Frutos 73rd St. Charge: Unlawful Sexual Activity with a Minor 2 Accused of Prostituting Teenage Girl The second case began to unfold in February when Pinellas deputies received a call about a teenage girl who was posting ads on the website Backpage.
