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Suspected pimp accused of exploiting layton teenage runaway

By Bubba Brown - | Aug 13, 2013

LAYTON — An 18-year-old man is facing several potential felony charges after allegations were made that he forced a 16-year-old runaway into prostitution.

The teen girl told police she met Ditarius Neal after running away from home in January, according to a news release from Layton police.

She allegedly lived with him in his apartment until March. Neal is accused of forcing her during that time to be an escort as a way to make him money. Detectives found websites and escort advertisements that lined up with the girl’s accusations.

During a search of the apartment, police found evidence supporting accusations from the girl that Neal had taken nude photos of her with a cellphone, according to the release.

Police also found evidence of marijuana distribution and possession, a gun and identifying documents for several people not involved in related criminal activity.

Layton Police Lt. Shawn Horton said there is currently no knowledge of any other girls allegedly escorting for Neal.

However, Horton said, “it’s possible there are more victims,” and the investigation into the case continues, including trying to determine if there are any more ads or Internet listings associated with Neal.

The case was brought to light when a Salt Lake Unified Police officer interviewed the girl for a separate case, Horton said.

Neal was arrested Friday and booked into Davis County Jail on suspicion of: aggravated exploitation of prostitution; sexual exploitation of a minor; possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia in a drug-free zone; unlawful possession of another’s identifying documents; and possession of a firearm by a restricted person.