Aug. 19, 2009 / 4:04 PM

Feds eye possible teen prostitution ring

NASHVILLE, Aug. 19 (UPI) -- Federal authorities are investigating a possible teenage prostitution ring allegedly run by a Nashville woman and her family.

The (Nashville) Tennessean said Wednesday that court documents show the federal probe began earlier this year after an informant told agents that someone was recruiting students at a Robertson County high school to work as hookers.

Teresa West, 45, Nashville, and her son and her daughter, both in their 20s, have since been charged with allegedly recruiting a single 16-year-old girl into prostitution.

The newspaper said the hearings in the case have been closed since they involve juveniles.

While the Wests have not been connected to any other underage girls, Nashville police have issued a public appeal for tips.

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