Palm Springs- Riverside County Superior Court Judge Kenneth E. Vassie has found reason to believe that the alleged crimes of pandering, pimping, loan fraud, money laundering and other felonies were committed by five Coachella Valley residents arrested last month.
The five are accused of leading and profiting from an alleged prostitution ring fronted by a Palm Springs-based escort service.
Vassie also dismissed two of the 28 charges against the five after hearing testimony during a preliminary hearing this week at Larson Justice Center in Indio.
The case against Boaz Benmoshe, Ofer Lupovitz, Moti Vintrov, Eliran Vintrov and Melanie Smith will now proceed to trial.
Arraignment is set for Sept. 22 at Larson Justice Center.
If convicted as charged, each defendant could face more than 10 years in prison.