SIOUX FALLS - A man accused of coercing women into the sex trade in southeastern South Dakota says females who have testified about their involvement are lying.

Thirty-seven-year-old Carl Campbell is on trial in federal court in Sioux Falls on several charges related to alleged sex trafficking. The Argus Leader reports that he took the stand in his own defense on Thursday.

Campbell admitted to beating his former girlfriend but said the violence was related to alcohol and jealousy and not prostitution. He also said she and two other females who have testified about being recruited into prostitution by Campbell as minors made up their stories.

A second man, Tajahn Clinton, also is charged in the case and awaiting trial.

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