DURHAM, N.C. (WNCN) — An 86-year-old man charged in North Carolina sex trafficking is now behind bars in connection with a disturbing human trafficking and child sexual assault case involving a disabled 17-year-old girl, according to the Durham Police Department.
Police say Cornelius Hines, 86, was arrested and charged with multiple felonies, including human trafficking of a child, second-degree forced sex with a child, and misdemeanor sexual battery of a child. He is being held in the Durham County Detention Center under a $1 million bond.
Investigators allege that Hines “solicited and obtained a 17-year-old mentally handicapped female for sexual servitude” and engaged in a sexual act with her by force.
During his first court appearance on Tuesday, Hines asked to tell his side of the story, but Judge Kevin Jones denied the request.
86-Year-Old Man Charged in North Carolina Sex Trafficking
Hines’ son told CBS 17 that he was the one who turned his father in to police but said he finds the allegations difficult to believe, describing his father as nearly 90 years old and wheelchair-bound.
The arrest follows another in the same case. Krista Winston, 44, was arrested on Friday at her Damar Court apartment on child prostitution charges. Neighbors claimed Winston was involved in sex work tied to “sex, drugs, and money.”
Both suspects remain in custody — Winston on a $700,000 bond and Hines on a $1 million bond. Judge Jones ordered both to have no contact with the teen victim if released.
Hines’ son told reporters he recognized Winston because she often asked his father for money and sometimes worked as his housekeeper.
The Durham Police Department continues to investigate. Anyone with information is urged to contact Investigator C. Park at 919-560-4440 ext. 29321 or Durham CrimeStoppers at 919-683-1200.
A neighbor expressed concern over the incident, saying, “I just hope that all this clears out and the neighborhood is safe for our kids.”
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Source: myfox8
Written by: Daniel Olafamoye, Greensboro NC News.
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