Court

Man charged with selling minors pleads not guilty

May 23, 2019 3:06 pm

Josevata Werelagi

A 38-year-old man charged with allegedly selling minors for immoral purposes has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Josevata Werelagi appeared at the Suva High Court today.

Werelagi is charged with one count of aggravated sexual servitude and three counts of domestic trafficking of children.

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The accused is also charged with an alternative count of selling minors under the age of 18 for an immoral purpose.

It is alleged that between the 18th and the 22nd of July 2015, Werelagi threatened or forced a 15-year-old girl to enter into or remain in sexual servitude.

It is also alleged that during the same period he facilitated the transportation of another 15-year-old girl from Nausori to Rewa Street in Suva, with the intent for her to provide sexual services.

State has informed the court they will be calling four witnesses while defense has not disputed to the charges.

The matter will be recalled on 24th June for pre-trail conference and bail hearing.

Kathrin