Watch CBS News

Feds: Pot Farmer Confessed To Keeping Southland Girl, 15, In Box

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Federal prosecutors say one of two men accused of sexually abusing a 15-year-old Southland girl — keeping her captive in a metal box and forcing her to work on a large Northern California marijuana growing operation — has confessed.

Court documents filed in the case against 30-year-old Ryan Balletto and 24-year-old Patrick Pearmain say prosecutors obtained a recorded confession from Balletto.

Both men are scheduled to enter pleas Friday in federal court in San Francisco. They have been charged with marijuana possession and using a minor in drug operations.

Authorities allege Balletto and Pearmain used the girl to cut marijuana buds at a Lake County property and had sex with her.

The girl, who is from the Los Angeles area, told investigators she was kept in a 4- by 2-foot box.

(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

RELATED STORY: Southland Girl Used As Sex Slave, Held Captive In Box At NorCal Pot Farm

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.