Laron Carter, known as ‘Birdd,’ convicted of 14 felony counts for forcing minors into prostitution.
A federal jury in Los Angeles found Laron Carter, 39, guilty of 14 felony counts, including seven counts of sex trafficking of a minor by force, fraud or coercion, and seven counts of transporting a child to engage in prostitution. The evidence showed Carter trafficked girls as young as 13 and subjected them to beatings.
Carter, a Gardena man, will face a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison and a statutory maximum sentence of life without parole at his sentencing on July 18.
The case began with the rescue of a 16-year-old girl in 2013, who told investigators she had been forced into prostitution by Carter. She was advertised on backpage.com and forced to get tattoos with the ‘Birdd’ moniker.
After the initial victim was rescued, investigators found six other girls who had been coerced or physically forced into prostitution by Carter between 2003 and 2010.
During the trial, jurors saw Facebook postings where Carter described himself as a ‘cross country pimp’ and photos of tattoos with the ‘Birdd’ moniker that victims were forced to get.
United States Attorney Eileen M. Decker said the case demonstrates law enforcement’s commitment to combating human trafficking on multiple fronts, while supporting the victims of exploitation.
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Key Facts
- State: California
- Category: Sex Crimes|Human Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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