Maria Jimenez
	Sate Jones

A couple arrested for allegedly prostituting four women, including one underage girl, appeared in court on human trafficking charges that could carry decades in prison under a new sentencing law passed by voters in November.

Maria Carolina Jiminez and Sate Stallone Jones, both 25 and of San Francisco, requested court-appointed attorneys and put off pleas to the single felony count of human trafficking each until Feb. 26. Bail was set at $350,000 and both remain in custody.

The pair could technically receive up to life in convicted because a minor is involved but closer to 20 years is more likely with the penalties imposed under the new law, said District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe.

Prior to the passage of Proposition 35, the maximum term was between eight and 12 years.

Jiminez and Jones were arrested at the La Quinta Inn in South San Francisco after being alerted by a clerk who'd undergone training about recognizing human trafficking. A man later identified as Jones reportedly dropped off two women one night and two women the next between Feb. 15 and Feb. 16.

The women reportedly told police the couple gave them illegal drugs to keep them working all night and sometimes deprived them of food. When the man returned with a woman, identified as Jiminez, to collect the four others, they were arrested.

Police are seeking a third suspect and anyone with information is asked to contact South San Francisco police at 877-8900.