Prosecutors file charges against alleged pimp

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 12:12:22 CST

By: Charlie Schlenker

    The McLean County State's Attorney has charged an alleged pimp with promoting prostitution. Prosecutors say a state police investigation found 59-year old Michael Cochran allegedly trolled the Salvation Army homeless shelter and the Home Sweet Home Mission in Bloomington, looking for young women he could force into prostitution. First Assistant State's Attorney Jane Foster says Cochran then took the money they earned for committing sex acts in various hotels and homes around the county. Prosecutors say one of several young women forced into prostitution has given a statement that Cochran threatened her and forced her into performing sex acts. The State's Attorney's office also indicates Troopers set up a sting operation arranging a 150-dollar appointment at a hotel before they arrested Cochran.