FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. – A Fayetteville man accused of operating an online adult escort service involving an underage girl turned himself to authorities on Monday.
The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office said 24-year-old Layon Franklin Robinson surrendered to deputies on charges of promoting prostitution and facilitating prostitution of a minor.
Deputies said Robinson is accused of using his cell phone to operate an online adult escort service. Robinson made arrangements for the victim to meet clients to engage in sexual acts in exchange for money, the sheriff’s office said.
The victim is an underage girl, deputies said. She told law enforcement that Robinson arranged the meetings and provided transportation for the victim to a motel room where she would engage in the sexual acts.
Robinson is being held in the Cumberland County Detention Center on a $200,000 bond.
North Carolina’s “Safe Harbor” law, passed in 2013, defines 16- and 17-year-olds who get caught up in prostitution as victims, instead of criminals.
In 2013, the National Human Trafficking Resource Center said it received more than 550 calls about suspected trafficking in North Carolina, mostly for sex. The vast majority of victims are women, although advocates stress men can also become victims.
If you or someone you know is being forced into work or sex, the National Human Trafficking Resource Center says it can help. Its hotline number is (888) 373-7888.
