Woman pleads guilty to helping teen runaway become Texarkana prostitute

A woman who helped a Tennessee teen leave home to become a prostitute in Texarkana pleaded guilty in Miller County Wednesday.

Ashley Elizabeth Hatfield, 27, appeared with Managing Public Defender Jason Mitchell before Circuit Judge Kirk Johnson in a courtroom at the Miller County jail Wednesday. Hatfield plead to a count of transporting a minor for prohibited sexual conduct.

Hatfield was arrested in August by Texarkana, Ark., police who stopped her as she drove on State Line Avenue. The teen and two men, who were not charged, were riding in the car with Tennessee plates as well. Before pulling the car over, officers observed Hatfield and the girl emerge from a room at a Texarkana, Ark., motel. The two had been advertising “services” on backpage.com, according to a probable cause affidavit.

Hatfield was sentenced to six years felony probation and must register as a sex offender as part of a plea bargain negotiated by Jason Mitchell and Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Connie Mitchell, who are not related. Hatfield is also required to pay a $2,500 fine.