Irving Police Believe Teen May Have Other Sex Trafficking Victims
IRVING (CBSDFW.COM) - There is new information today about the 17-year-old Irving boy accused of forcing a female classmate into prostitution.
Travis Lekas remains in the Dallas County Jail. The Irving Nimitz High School student faces several charges -- including one count of compelling prostitution.
Additional grief counselors were called in to Nimitz High on Wednesday to help students affected the situation.
Lekas is accused of forcing a 15-year-old fellow classmate into prostitution. According to Irving police, he kept the girl at his home for three days by giving her alcohol, marijuana and a prescription drug used to treat anxiety. The teenager then allegedly convinced the girl to trade sex for money, with men who came to the house.
The accusations have left fellow student Kamille Newton bewildered. "I can't believe that he would do that. I don't know how to think that that would be okay," she said.
Jennifer Stephens, a friend of Lekas, says no one should believe the accusations. "So the facts need to be getting out, not the fiction!" Stephens told CBS 11 News that Lekas and his alleged victim are two of several Irving kids, with a troubled past, that she's offered a temporary home.
Claiming the influence had had a positive impact Stephens said, "The Travis I know was a troubled kid that needed help at school at times, but when I took him in, and when he was living with me, he followed the rules."
As for the allegations made by the 15-year-old girl, Stephens said, "What she said was a total lie, 'cause I was there the night, because I'm the one that picked her up."
It was 10 days after the 15-year-old alleged victim reported the crimes that Lekas was arrested. During that time, Irving police say they performed several interviews the generated the probable cause to arrest Lekas.
Detectives are now trying to find out if there are more victims, since police believe Lekas tried to recruit other young girls at Nimitz high and also nearby Bowie Middle School.
On Tuesday Nimitz high school parents received a letter and phone message from the principal detailing the incident and their cooperation with police. Click here to read that letter. The school district said it would keep parents informed about any new information.
In addition to the compelling prostitution, Lekas also charged with one count of human trafficking and one count of sexual performance by a child. His bond is set at $175,000.
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