Toronto man accused of prostituting 16-year-old, using money for family food

A Toronto man has been charged after police allege he prostituted a 16-year-old girl and used the proceeds to pay for food for his family.

Police said Tuesday the teen met the accused at a party in August 2015 and that he took photos of her “in various stages of undress,” then posted them on a website advertising sexual services.

It’s alleged he then took her to hotels across the Greater Toronto Area to work as a prostitute, making her work “almost every night.”

Police say the man and his female roommate used the money for “car insurance, rent and food for their family.”

They say that the man was physically abusive and threatened to kill her if she ever left. The pair allegedly assaulted her after she committed sex acts on May 29, sending her to hospital with undisclosed injuries.

READ MORE: Teenage girl charged in recruitment of Toronto high school student into sex trade

Akeil Purcell, 27, was arrested last Wednesday and faces 11 charges, including various prostitution, human trafficking and child pornography offences, as well as assault and uttering death threats.

Shanika Spaulding, 24, has been charged with benefitting from sexual services of a person under the age of 18 and assault.

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Police say they both appeared in court last Thursday.

Investigators are concerned there may be more alleged victims.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police at 416-808-7474, Crime Stoppers anonymously at 416-222-TIPS (8477), online at http://www.222tips.com, text TOR and your message to CRIMES (274637).