exposing the dark side of adoption
Register Log in

Foster father pleads guilty to pimping daughter, girls

public

By: Freeman Klopott

A Temple Hills man has pleaded guilty to selling young girls for sex, one of whom a federal judge described as his foster child.

Shelby Lewis, 42, brought the girls from Maryland to the District, where they walked the popular prostitution track at 14th and K streets. The girls ranged in age from 12 to 16.

A 12-year-old girl was described as Lewis' foster child by a federal judge. Few details have emerged regarding how Lewis gained custody of the child because those records are sealed. Foster care reformers have said the circumstances are symbolic of the need for cases to be open to the public to prevent the future abuse of children.

Lewis pleaded guilty Thursday afternoon. He faces between 15 and 20 years in prison, according to the plea agreement. A sentencing date has not been set.

2010 Jan 3