Ashton Jordan, Sex Trafficking, California 2023

Sex Trafficking Suspect Sentenced to 9 Years in Prison

Ashton Jordan, a 28-year-old man from Phoenix, Arizona, has been sentenced to 108 months in federal prison for transporting a woman from Nevada to Arizona to California for prostitution. The sentencing took place in San Diego federal court on May 12, 2023.

The case began in July 2021 when the victim escaped from Jordan at a hotel in downtown San Diego. She reported that Jordan had used violence against her to cause her to stay with him and prostitute herself for his financial benefit. Jordan was on probation at the time of his offense.

According to U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman, the victim showed ‘bravery’ in coming forward and seeking justice. Grossman praised the work of the prosecution team and the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force, which consisted of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation – Parole, the California Highway Patrol, ICE/Homeland Security Investigations, the National City Police Department, the San Diego City Attorney’s Office, the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, the San Diego County Probation Department, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, and the San Diego Police Department.

In a statement, California Attorney General Rob Bonta emphasized the devastating impact of human trafficking and sexual exploitation on victims’ lives. Bonta expressed gratitude to the partners on the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force for their collaboration and commitment to helping survivors.

Acting Special Agent in Charge Houtan Moshrefi of the FBI San Diego office underscored the need for the public to report suspicious activities to law enforcement. Moshrefi stated that sex trafficking occurs frequently and often goes unnoticed.

Jordan pleaded guilty to the charges in November 2022 and has been in custody since his arrest in November 2021. At the sentencing hearing, U.S. District Court Judge Dana M. Sabraw not only imposed the 108-month prison sentence but also ordered Jordan to serve 10 years of supervised release following his release from custody.

The charges against Jordan include Transportation for Purposes of Prostitution under Title 18, U.S.C., Section 2421, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

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