ALLENTOWN, Pa. – Julie Acosta faces multiple charges including sexual exploitation of children as her trial gets underway in Lehigh County.
Investigators said she sold a child for cash and two bags of crystal meth at the Super 8 on Airport Road in Allentown in April of 2024.
The child was then allegedly raped by then 31-year-old Joshua Martel after being left in a motel room with him.
Investigators said the alleged victim told a trusted adult about what happened in July of the same year.
The defense said during opening arguments that there is no evidence Acosta provided the child to Martel.
The alleged victim testified that they saw Acosta exchange money and crystal meth with Martel before the rape allegedly happened.
The child said Acosta and Martel looked at them for about 10 seconds.
According to the alleged victim’s testimony, they could not hear what Acosta and Martel said to each other.
Prosecution had the alleged victim describe the motel room and point to photos where certain things allegedly happened in the room.
During opening arguments, prosecution said a woman who interviewed the alleged victim will be among those testifying.
The prosecution also told the jury that they will hear about phone evidence between Acosta and Martel.
Investigators said Acosta also intimidated the victim prior to trial.