Santa Clara County authorities arrest man on suspicion of sex trafficking, pimping and kidnapping
Sheriff’s office says suspect convinced victim to work as prostitute, physically abused her
GILROY – A young Gilroy woman is free of a man authorities say trafficked and physically abused her over a period of five years.
On Aug. 1, Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office detectives arrested Andre William Furtado, 32, of Watsonville, on felony charges including human trafficking, pimping and kidnapping.
Furtado started dating the victim in 2014 and quickly convinced her to work for him as a prostitute, said Deputy Michael Low in a news release Tuesday afternoon. The suspect showed the victim how to post ads online, as well as “educated her about the life of prostitution and instructed her on the prices she should charge,” according to Low.
The alleged physical abuse began a month after the victim agreed to work for Furtado.
“Furtado would instruct the victim to engage in acts of prostitution and then become upset with her due to the fact that he believed she was enjoying her acts of prostitution,” Low said.
The victim was “beaten countless times” and even ended up in the hospital, according to Low.
Low said things finally came to a head when Furtado allegedly threatened to harm the victim’s father.
The victim showed detectives recent scratches and bruises, as well as dozens of photographs of injuries she said she suffered at the hands of Furtado, according to Low. In addition, she provided texts and messages in which Furtado allegedly threatened to harm her.
Low said detectives also listened in on a telephone call between Furtado and the victim.
“Detectives witnessed Furtado admitting to physically abusing the victim in the past, apologizing to the victim for physically abusing her and negotiating with the victim as to what days she would have to engage in prostitution if she was to come back to him,” Low said.
Online jail records show Furtado is being held without bail at the Santa Clara County Main Jail in San Jose. His next court appearance is scheduled for 6 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 7.
Anyone with information about the case can contact the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office at 408-808-4500. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call 408-808-4431.