Man charged with taking minor to Wisconsin for prostitution

A south suburban Harvey man is facing two charges after he allegedly took a minor to Wisconsin last year to engage in prostitution.

Deronarte Norwood, 30, forced the minor to engage in a commercial sex act, according to a statement from the U.S. Attorney’s office. In May 2015, he also brought the minor to Wisconsin from Illinois to engage in prostitution.

He was arrested Tuesday night in Waukegan, and later charged with sex trafficking and knowingly transporting a minor to engage in prostitution, prosecutors said. Both charges carry a maximum penalty of life in prison.

He pleaded not guilty at an arraignment hearing Wednesday in front of U.S. Magistrate Judge Mary M. Rowland, prosecutors said. He was ordered held in custody until his next scheduled court date on Monday afternoon.