Federal authorities have launched an investigation after they say a 12-year-old girl and a 17-year-old girl were forced to perform sex acts at two Bridgeport strip clubs.

Investigators say the girls were made available to patrons at Pleasant Moments and Bishop?s Corner Café to engage in prostitution. According to an indictment, the girls were held as prisoners and forced to dance on poles and sell their bodies. Authorities say the girls were threatened with rape, beatings and pistol-whippings if they refused to comply.

The U.S. Attorney?s Office announced Friday it is charging 35-year-old Corey Davis, of Queens, NY, with sex trafficking. Authorities say Davis, along with a prostitute, marketed the girls and collected the cash.

The owner of Bishop?s Corner calls the allegations bogus. Meanwhile, the investigation into the alleged incidents continues.