Man Used Teen For Extortion, Deputies Say

From Sentinel staff reports
Originally published in the Sun-Sentinel, September 4, 2003

SEMINOLE COUNTY — A 23-year-old Seminole County man is awaiting transfer to Brevard County to face charges involving a scheme in which money was extorted from men his 14-year-old girlfriend met in Internet chat rooms, authorities said.

Curtis B. Howard, 108 E. Eighth St., Chuluota, is being held without bail at Seminole County Jail in Sanford, charged with extortion, grand theft, child abuse, prostitution, procuring a minor for prostitution and deriving support from the proceeds of prostitution, the Brevard County Sheriff's Office reported.

Howard coerced his girlfriend to meet men in chat rooms and then contacted the men and arranged for them to meet the girl and exchange money for sex, Brevard deputy sheriffs said.

Once the men arrived at the meeting place, in Mims in north Brevard County, they were instructed to undress. Howard then entered as the girl ran to the back of the house, and he threatened to call police because of the girl's age. He then blackmailed the men for money, deputies said. One man paid about $1,500, deputies said.