LA Woman Used Social Media to Recruit Sex Workers, Had Her Name Tattooed on Prostitute's Face

A Los Angeles woman who went by the name "Pretty Hoe" on social media has pleaded guilty to trafficking minors for sex.

According to as press release from the U.S. Attorney's of the Central District of California, Melanie Denae Williams, 23, pleaded guilty Monday to charges of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion.

She faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years behind bars for the crimes.

Williams—who also went by the name "The Most Hated Hoe in LA"—had a prominent online and social media presence, which she used to make contact with her victims, according to the statement.

"In one incident detailed in court documents, Williams ordered the victim to strip off her clothes, then Williams threw bleach on her and beat her with hands and a broomstick," spokesman Thom Mrozek said in the statement.

The Associated Press reported in March when Williams was charged that she was arrested following the attack, which took place on Christmas Eve last year.

"Williams also forced the victim to get Williams' name tattooed on her face, confiscated the victim's belongings and identity documents and continually threatened to kill the victim if she left Williams," according to the statement.

Williams also posted social media videos of her physically beating and using firearms to threaten young women, said Mrozek.

Williams also admitted in the plea agreement to recruiting two minors using the internet to engage in commercial sex acts.

"Williams would then retain the proceeds from the minors' sex acts for her own benefit," according to the statement.

The investigation into Williams was conducted by the Los Angeles Regional Human Trafficking Task Force, which included agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and deputies with the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. The Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office provided substantial assistance in the investigation and prosecution.

Williams will be sentenced in January in a federal court in Los Angeles.

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