Club Madonna defendant faces judge; Club reopens doors

MIAMI – A defendant in the case of a 13-year-old girl who was allegedly forced to strip at Club Madonna on South Beach went before a judge Monday morning.

Handcuffed and fitted with an orange jumpsuit, 18-year-old Dewayne Ward is just one of four defendants behind bars facing -- accused of forcing a 13-year-old girl to prostitute herself and strip at Club Madonna.

Ward was charged with one one count of human trafficking, one count contributing to delinquency of a minor, five counts of lewd and lascivious battery on a child less than 16 years of age.

Additional charges include using a child in a sexual performance and procuring a person under the age of 18 for prostitution. While Ward was the only one in the courtroom Monday, there are three others facing similar charges.

The 13-year-old had run away from her home on Dec. 10th. Her mother then located her on Jan. 6 in the area of North Miami Avenue and NE 55 street.

Police said, the girl was being held against her will,  and had been forced to prostitute herself.

Vilbert Jean,36, Marlene San Vincente, 22, were arrested on Jan. 6th. Audelin Pierre ,34, was later charged in the case.

Police say Pierre introduced the girl to the group. They say he later brought a man over to have sex with her and then pocketed the $80.

San Vincente, who's a dancer at Club Madonna, brought the teen to the club where she danced for a week. Police say Vilbert Jean kept her earnings.

Club Madonna was issued a temporary staying order Monday, allowing the to reopen the doors.

All defendants have entered not guilty pleas.

If convicted, the three defendants face up to life in prison.

The defendants will be back in court at the end of this week.

Click here to read the order issued to Club Madonna Monday.