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A 12-year-old girl was pimped out by her own mum before she was sexually abused by hundreds of people.

The victim, from Tallahassee in Florida, US, was identified by police on a pay-for-sex website and a two-year investigation was launched.

The mum would let people have sex with her in exchange for money or drugs, local news channel WTXL reports.

Defendants told investigators the meetings were arranged via text messages and social media.

Around 106 people have been charged with felonies, including human trafficking, lewd and lascivious battery on a child under 16 – commonly known as statutory rape in the state – and production and possession of child pornography.

Another 72 people were charged with misdemeanours, including solicitation of prostitution.

Among those arrested include a PE teacher and a former chairman of a university fundraising organisation.

Several defendants are women, charged with helping to arrange paid “plays” with the girl in exchange for cash.

Lorena Vollrath-Bueno, felony chief for the State Attorney's Office, said: “I know it's hard to believe that something like this happens here in our community, but it does."

Tallahassee Police Department Chief Lawrence Revell added: “The arrests in this operation are the culmination of the diligent work from our dedicated investigators, who have worked tirelessly to bring justice to the victims in this case.”

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Elizabeth Bascom, of Tallahassee police, is one of the lead investigators.

She said the girl’s exploitation was “horrific” and said the abuse likely began before her 13th birthday.

Bascom plans to testify in court, although it is unclear how many of the cases will go to trial.

She said: “She does have things to say. She was able to say that this has seriously impacted her life, and it is very difficult at times.

“But she is working to get her life back.”

The girl is “on the road to recovery” and “doing well given the situation”, Chief Revell added.

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