Los Angeles Man Convicted of Sex Trafficking

A federal jury in the Central District of California convicted a Los Angeles man today of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion.

"Elias Shabazz preyed on a vulnerable victim using physical and sexual violence and cruel psychological coercion to compel commercial sex acts for his own profit," said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department's Criminal Division. "There is no place for this type of conduct in civilized society. We deeply respect the victim's courage to face her trafficker in court. The Criminal Division will continue to bring these cases and try them."

"Sex trafficking matters rank among the most tragic cases our office prosecutes," said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli for the Central District of California. "This defendant will now face many years in a federal prison cell for his sick, disgusting, and disturbing behavior."

"This case highlights Homeland Security Investigations' determination to rescue victims from exploitation and ensure that those who commit such cruel and violent acts are held accountable," said Special Agent in Charge Eddy Wang of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Los Angeles Field Office. "The defendant manipulated and terrorized the victim for his own gain, using violence, intimidation, and control. We commend the victim's bravery for sharing her story. HSI, together with our law enforcement partners, will continue to pursue justice for victims and relentlessly work to prevent these crimes from occurring in our communities."

According to court documents, witness testimony, and evidence presented at trial, Elias Shabazz, 33, of Los Angeles, led his victim to believe that they were engaged in a romantic relationship, but he soon turned physically and sexually violent demanding that the victim engage in commercial sex acts. Shabazz carried a handgun with him and used it on occasion to pistol whip the victim. He also fired the gun at her feet when threatening to kill her. At trial, the victim explained how he introduced her to commercial sex, demanded she meet a daily quota of commercial sex proceeds, and how he terrified her of the consequences of not meeting that quota. She also testified to how Shabazz compelled her to work on Figueroa Street in Los Angeles and how dangerous it was to do so. Shabazz confiscated the victim's identification, social security card, and birth certificate. He looked through her phone constantly to keep her from communicating with family and friends. He also introduced her to addictive narcotics and controlled every aspect of her life including when she ate, slept, and showered.

The jury convicted Shabazz of one count of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion. The jury found Shabazz not guilty of coercing or enticing interstate transportation for purposes of prostitution. A sentencing date has not been set. Shabazz faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison, and a maximum penalty of life in prison. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

HSI is investigating the case.

Trial Attorney Kate A. Alexander of the Criminal Division's Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen I. Meyer for the Central District of California are prosecuting the case.

Anyone who has information about human trafficking should report that information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For more information about human trafficking, please visit www.humantraffickinghotline.orgLinks to other government and non-government sites will typically appear with the "external link" icon to indicate that you are leaving the Department of Justice website when you click the link.. Information on the Justice Department's efforts to combat human trafficking can be found at www.justice.gov/humantrafficking.