SAN ANTONIO -- Six men have been arrested in connection with the rape of a 12-year-old girl following a three-year investigation, authorities say.
San Antonio police said the victim was a 12-year-old runaway who left a bad home situation and ran into some perpetrators who used her and sold her for sex.
"Well, this one is actually unusual and uncommon. We don't usually hear of minors being prostituted, or minors being out there this long, being prostituted and adults having sex with them," said SAPD Sgt. Chris Benavides. "Usually, for the most part, it's adults being prostituted or prostitutes that are adults. It's very rare that we find minors in this situation."
Six men are being charged with a combination of sexual assault of a child, aggravated sexual assault of a child, human trafficking of a minor and compelling prostitution.
According to police, the men arrested include: Rudy Romero, 39; Ruben Romero, 37; Jose Rodriguez, 29; Ellis Carter, 31; Sammy Cantu, 20; and Benito Rodriguez, 30.
Police said the victim is now 16 and is receiving help.
The investigation started in 2008 and is ongoing, and authorities say more arrests are possible. Police are looking for the person responsible for originating the crime.
