New Mexico man accused of prostituting 7-year-old daughter

Authorities are accusing a New Mexico father of prostituting his 7-year-old daughter and forcing the girl and her brother to panhandle and pick pockets.

Court records show James Stewart Sr. was booked early Thursday on charges that include human trafficking, criminal sexual contact of a minor, child abuse and promoting prostitution. It wasn’t immediately clear if the 37-year-old Stewart had an attorney.

Court documents indicate Stewart and his family are homeless.

Agents with the New Mexico Attorney General’s Office began investigating in April after getting a call from a school nurse who had concerns that the girl might be a victim of sexual assault.

A criminal complaint states the girl told investigators she and her mother would “hustle,” and there were previous instances in which police and state child welfare workers had contact with the family.

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