October 28, 2026: Man Who Fled During Sex Trafficking Trial Found by FBI Fugitive Task Force, Sentenced to Life in Prison

LOS ANGELES - Calvin Lane, who was out of custody in August on court-reduced bail when he absconded while on trial for sex trafficking a young adult woman and a teenage girl in Los Angeles and Long Beach in 2023, was taken into custody on Sept. 21 and sentenced to 74 years to life in prison on Oct. 27.

Lane, a convicted sex offender, was located and arrested by the FBI Fugitive Task Force, which included a District Attorney Investigator from the office's Bureau of Investigation.

Sometime between Aug. 26 and 27, Lane absconded when closing arguments were set for Aug. 27. The Court found that he voluntarily absented himself and the trial proceeded.

On Aug. 28, Lane was convicted by a jury in absentia in case 24CJCF04008 of the forcible trafficking of a minor for a commercial sex act, human trafficking of an adult, pandering of an adult and possession of a firearm by a felon, all felonies.

"Fleeing while on trial for such a serious and egregious crime is a blatant disregard for our criminal justice system," Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman said. "Rather than answer for his actions, he chose to run from accountability. I commend the FBI Fugitive Task Force, who worked tirelessly to locate him, track him down and take him back to court so he could face the judicial process. I also want to recognize Deputy District Attorney Emily Chai of the Sex Crimes Division who remained steadfast throughout the case. DDA Chai's diligence and persistence ensured that this individual was held accountable and the victims received the justice they deserve."

The case was prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Emily Chai of the Sex Crimes Division's Human Sex Trafficking Section and was investigated by the Long Beach Police Department.