An Oceanside couple was arrested this week for allegedly keeping a 12-year-old girl against her will and using her as a sex slave, prostitute and housekeeper.

Inez Martinez Garcia, 43, and husband Marcial Garcia Hernandez, 45, were arrested by San Diego County sheriff's deputies yesterday morning, according to a statement.

They were jailed based on 13 felony allegations, including …

… “aggravated sexual assault of a child under 14 years old,” according to the department.

Authorities alleged the Garcias smuggled the girl from Mexico, promised her a better life, but soon put her to work in a restaurant, at their home, and later as a sex worker.

A sample of the sheriff's statement:

The investigation revealed that the victim was smuggled into the United States at the age of 12 with promises of a better life and education. When the victim arrived at the Garcia household, she was forced to care for the couple's three young children, cook, and clean house under the constant threat of physical abuse. Over a twenty-one month period, the victim was forced to have sex with the husband. When the victim refused to participate in the sex acts or did not complete her tasks in a timely or correct manner, she was beaten.

Cops say the couple pocketed the money she earned.

Deputies also contend that Marcial Garcia Hernandez had sex with her and Inez Garcia “severely” beat her.

The case came to light when the victim, by then an adult, came forward to authorities more than 2-and-a-half years ago, according to the department.

The case grew cold, however, after she moved back to Mexico, deputies said. When the victim returned the allegations were wrapped up and the Garcias were collared.

They remained in jail in Vista, near Oceanside.

[@dennisjromero / djromero@laweekly.com / @LAWeeklyNews]

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