By Gillian Graham

Staff Writer

 Three people accused of forcing a woman into prostitution were indicted last week by a York County grand jury.

Lydia Ross Sholl of South Portland, Tiana Clark of Medford, Mass., and Wayne Hicks of Scarborough each were indicted on three counts of aggravated promotion of prostitution for allegedly holding a woman against her will and forcing her into prostitution.

Saco police responded to the Sunrise Motel on Portland Road just after 4 a.m. Jan. 3 after receiving a report of a man and woman fighting. When police arrived, they found a large number of people in the room and called for assistance from Old Orchard Beach police.

A 26-year-old woman in the room told police she was being held against her will and forced into prostitution by people she met while living in a Portland shelter. Police obtained a search warrant for the hotel room and a nearby vehicle. They seized records, cell phones, computer and cash. A 2001 BMW SUV was impounded.

Sholl, Clark and Hicks originally were charged with kidnapping.

Clark, in a motion to amend bail, wrote she wanted lower bail because she is “being falsely accused.” Her cash bail was lowered to $1,000.

Sholl also asked the court to lower her bail. In a handwritten letter, she said she has a minimal criminal background and always shows up for court hearings. She said she was treated unfairly by her adoptive family and has lived on her own since she was 15.

“I’m doing my best at this time to recover from drug addiction and if allowed to have a lower bail I plan on seeking help by going to a drug and alcohol counselor twice a week and go to meetings on a daily basis,” she wrote.

All three defendants are free on bail and are scheduled to appear in court May 20.

Staff Writer Gillian Graham can be reached at 282-4337, ext. 213.