Gatineau police appealed for more victims to come forward in a teenage prostitution ring linked to two Ottawa street gangs.

Three 17-year-old girls were picked up near homeless shelters in Ottawa and allegedly fed drugs, beaten, sexually assaulted and held against their will in a Gatineau apartment for a year.

Two suspects were in court Thursday facing numerous charges.

Twenty-eight-year-old Laura Emerson was charged with 13 offences including procuring the girls for the purposes of illicit sexual intercourse and prostitution, forcible confinement and assault.

Her boyfriend, 33 year-old Gordon Kingsbury was charged with sexual assault and breach of probation.

Suspects seemed like "ordinary people"

Neighbours of the pair were shocked at the news, saying they have never heard anything strange coming from the apartment.

"I've met them both in the hallways and in elevators. And we've both said hi, I never saw anything weird," said Angele Poulin, the tenant living above the suspects.

Street youth easy targets

Street youth in Ottawa acknowledged the danger of being lured into prostitution is a reality they deal with every day.

"I know a girl who was forcefully raped when she went to someone's house like that," said Stephanie, who lives on the streets.

Steve, another youth, said he was propositioned by a man wanting him to sell his body. "I said no, I don't do that. I'm not that desperate for money."

Those new to the street are easy prey, said Operation Go Home's Natalie Elliott.

"They could be coming from an abusive family or relationship. They are down to their lowest low and if someone says, hey you look like you're hungry, can I take you out for a bite to eat? They'll say, wow, someone's caring about me."

Youth exploitation a problem

Insp. Mike Callaghan with the Ottawa Police Gangs and Guns Unit said teen prostitution is a community problem requiring everyone to work together to resolve.

"We're very saddened to see this type of crime taking place. It's something we obviously take very, very seriously and do everything we can."

Those responsible for luring Ottawa area teenagers into prostitution are skilled at their craft, according to police.

"They're very brazen in their approach and really take advantage of those vulnerable youth and befriend them and offer them all kinds of things including money, clothing, food, even drugs," added Callaghan.

The accused in the Gatineau case were remanded into custody. They will reappear in court Aug. 12.

With a report from CTV Ottawa's John Hua