TIJUANA – State authorities are prosecuting the first case under the new Baja California law that cracks down on the slave trade.

State deputy prosecutor Martha Imelda Almanza announced that Pedro Águila Flores, 24, is charged with imprisoning and sexually exploiting a young woman.

He was detained Aug. 30 in Tijuana following an investigation by state police.

According to the state Attorney General's Office, Águila Flores began lying to the victim, 23, since she lived in the town of Tehuitzingo, in Puebla state, taking advantage of the family problems she faced.

He allegedly offered to transport her to the border and help her cross illegally into the United States. However, once she arrived in Tijuana she met a woman who was a prostitute and the man she worked for, Almanza said.

The prosecutor said that the three forced the victim to work every night at a hotel as a prostitute.

Águila Flores told police that he had lied to the young woman to sexually exploit her, the prosecutor said.

On Sept. 7 a judge ordered the man detained under a state law that went into effect July 1 to fight the slave trade.

The prosecutor said that since the victim was rescued the young woman has received psychological treatment.

In May, city authorities launched a public awareness campaign, with signs on public thoroughfares that say "You are not merchandise," to encourage victims to step forward.

At the time, Carolina Bustamante, the president of Tijuana's family agency, said that Tijuana is one of five main routes in the slave trade in the world.

Omar.millan@sandiegored.com