13-year-old held as prostitute

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NEW YORK, Jan. 31 (UPI) -- A New York police detective and his female companion allegedly kidnapped a 13-year-old runaway girl and forced her into prostitution, authorities said.

The detective, Wayne Taylor, 35, and his companion, Zalika Brown, 29, pleaded innocent Wednesday night at their arraignment in Queens Criminal Court, The New York Times said. Taylor was suspended without pay.

They were charged with kidnapping, unlawful imprisonment, endangering the welfare of a child and promoting prostitution, Richard Brown, the Queens district attorney, said.

The girl reportedly left her home in Brooklyn on Jan. 10 and met Brown after being offered help in getting a dancing job. She allegedly told the girl she had been "purchased" for $500 for use as a prostitute.

After a round of sex parties, the girl said she escaped and notified police. She has been returned to her family.