Opening statements are set for Wednesday in Kent for the trial of a man who allegedly made nearly $200,000 as a pimp in Kent and Seattle.
Shacon Fontane Barbee, 34, of Seattle, faces charges of promoting prostitution, leading organized crime, promoting sexual abuse of a minor and other offenses. The trial is scheduled to start at 1:30 p.m. in Courtromm 3F in front of King County Superior Court Judge Patrick Oishi at the Maleng Regional Justice Center.
The trial could take as long as three to four weeks, said Dan Donohoe, spokesman for the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.
Barbee had an initial trial date of September 2011 after his arrest by Kent Police in December 2010. If convicted as charged, Barbee could face up to 15 years in prison.
Barbee remains in the county jail at the Regional Justice Center. Bail was set at $500,000. He allegedly made at least $192,000 as a pimp during one eight-month period, according to charging papers.
A then 19-year-old prostitute told detectives that she earned about $2,000 per week mainly from working along Pacific Highway South in Kent and Denny Way in Seattle. She gave all of that money to Barbee.
Barbee pleaded not guilty to the charges against him. The charges include three counts of promoting commercial sexual abuse of a minor; first-degree promoting prostitution; second-degree promoting prostitution; and leading organized crime. He also is charged with three counts of first-degree theft in connection with wrongfully obtaining money from the Social Security Administration and one count of tampering with a witness.
Barbee waived his right to a speedy trial. Defense attorney Brian Todd requested continuances several times for more time to interview witnesses and law enforcement officials.
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