Man admits pimping runaway teen in Palm Beach County

PALM BEACH COUNTY, Fla. - A Palm Beach County man faces up to life in prison after pleading guilty Wednesday to federal charges that he pimped a 14-year-old runaway girl.

Rashad Emon Clark, aka "Shagg Dogg," pleaded guilty to four charges including conspiracy to recruit a minor for a commercial sex act and enticing a minor to engage in sexual activity.

The teen's stepfather called authorities in February and told them that she had run away from home and he suspected she was in danger. West Palm Beach police found her by searching online classified ads for escorts and prostitutes in the area.

An officer then posed as a "john" and set up a meeting with her. The girl told investigators she had engaged in sexual activity with Clark and two other men in exchange for money — which she had to split with Clark.

Clark admitted that he had Mandi Lynn Bowman, a female prostitute he worked with, coach the victim on how to engage in prostitution, how to answer calls and negotiate prices. He also had the woman take photographs of the girl, which were then used to advertise the teen's services.

The girl told detectives that Clark, 33, started talking to her at a convenience store and told her she could make money as a prostitute. The following day, he gave her $40 to have sex with him at a city motel.

Earlier this year, Bowman, 22, was sentenced to four years in prison after she pleaded guilty to her role in the case. She got a break for helping authorities track down and arrest Clark, who had fled to Texas.

Clark, who must register as a sex offender if he is ever released from prison, is scheduled for sentencing in December in federal court in West Palm Beach.

The victim is receiving help, prosecutors said.

pmcmahon@tribune.com, 954-356-4533 or Twitter @SentinelPaula

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