Robert Felix Gonzales of Broomfield faces multiple charges.
A Broomfield man is accused of prostituting a teenage runaway for nearly two years, pimping her out on Craigslist in exchange for methamphetamine and cash, until she jumped from his moving car and escaped.
Robert Felix Gonzales, 39, is charged with multiple violent and sex crimes involving a child, whom police say he pimped out to at least 30 strangers at various motels, according to an affidavit released Thursday by the Jefferson County District Attorney's Office.
During those two years, Arvada police made an "exceptional effort" to get the runaway teen out of her situation, which began when she was 14, police spokeswoman Jill McGranahan said. But the girl would always return to her alleged pimp.
Gonzales, who police say at one point hid the teen from authorities behind a secret wall in his home, was arrested on Halloween.
His victim is now under new foster care.
The girl told police that what began as a friendship turned into a recurring situation where she was forced to have sex and often beaten.
The teen originally met Gonzales through her foster family. A habitual runaway, the girl told police she fell in love with Gonzales and believed he had the same feelings, but the situation spiraled out of control, according to the affidavit.
Gonzales allegedly gave the teenager drugs and alcohol, and had sex with her, starting in October 2011. Soon after, the teen told police, Gonzales would make her have sex with his friends. He eventually began pimping her out through Craigslist postings, which often mentioned "Tina," a code word for meth, according to the affidavit.
The teen was reported missing multiple times in 2012. Tips would lead authorities to Gonzales' home in the 10500 block of West 101st Avenue, but police could not find the runaway there because she was hidden behind a "false wall in the basement," according to the affidavit.
Gonzales allegedly beat the girl at times, possibly even breaking his hand hitting her in the face with such force, according to the affidavit. Although the girl would accompany Gonzales to the hospital when he was hurt, sometimes from beating her, she was never treated even though she told police she had visible injuries, according to the affidavit.
The girl was finally located in her hiding place in Gonzales' home on July 25, 2012. At that time, however, the girl did not cooperate with police or tell them of their sexual relationship. She was placed in a group home, but she soon ran away. Gonzales was arrested for that incident but continued the relationship while awaiting trial.
On May 20, he pleaded guilty to harboring a minor. On July 24, Gonzales was sentenced to three years' probation with a suspended jail sentence.
The teen told police she had finally had enough of being used and left Gonzales by jumping out of his speeding car on July 22, according to the affidavit.
The girl, who police noted had sores on her face related to meth use, finally confided in authorities about her life with Gonzales during interviews in September.
Gonzales has a criminal history dating to 1992, which includes several drug, assault and harassment charges, plus restraining- order violations.
Gonzales is being held at the Jefferson County Jail on a $500,000 bond. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Dec. 5.
Ryan Parker: 303-954-2409, rparker@denverpost.com or twitter.com/ryanparkerdp