Watsonville Man Accused Of Sex Trafficking Gilroy Woman: SCC Sher

GILROY, CA — A 32-year-old Watsonville man was arrested last week on suspicion of sex trafficking, kidnapping and abuse, the Santa Clara County Sheriff's Department reported Tuesday.

Andre William Furtado, who was already on probation and is a registered sex offender, was taken into custody Thursday in Gilroy.

His female victim, who he had pimped into prostitution when the two started dating, was beaten several times over a five-year period and hospitalized. Furtado recently threatened her father, the sheriff's office added. Her age is undisclosed.

The victim provided evidence during the investigation showing current injuries on her body, which were documented by taking digital photographs of the injuries. The victim was able to corroborate much of her statement by providing detectives with dozens of photographs of her injuries at the hands of Furtado throughout their relationship, sheriff's deputies said. The victim also provided numerous text and Instagram messages that Furtado had sent to her depicting the threats of abuse and type of injuries he intended to inflict.

Plus, in a live phone call with the victim, detectives witnessed Furtado admitting to physically abusing the victim in the past and apologizing for it, the sheriff's department reported.

Anyone with information on this case is asked to contact the Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office at 408-808-4500. Alternatively, you can contact the Sheriff’s Office Investigative Services anonymous tip line at 408-808-4431.