LONG BEACH MAN SENTENCED TO 9 YEARS FOR TRANSPORTING TEENS FOR PROSTITUTION
Grimy Times has learned that Deonathan Abdul Gaston, 26, of Long Beach, California, was sentenced to nine years in federal prison for transporting two teenage girls, ages 15 and 16, to San Diego in August 2023 to engage in prostitution.
The victims were rescued by the National City Police Department on August 13, 2023, when officers conducted a traffic stop on Gaston in a high-crime area known for prostitution. Gaston had no driver’s license on him and was not going to be allowed to drive the car. He called his “girlfriend” to come pick up the car from the traffic stop; the girl turned out to be the missing Arizona teen. Officers then responded to the hotel where the girl said they were staying and found the other victim.
“Selling children for sex is a reprehensible crime that impacts victims for a lifetime,” said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. “We can all play a part in protecting the vulnerable by paying close attention to warning signs and reporting concerns. Our children are not necessarily being grabbed from the street. They are being groomed and recruited online.”
According to court documents, Gaston had known one of the victims since she was 14. The case was turned over to the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lyndzie M. Carter and Derek Ko. If you are living or working under threat of violence or extortion, or you suspect someone else may be, call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center toll free, 24/7 Hotline: CALL: (888) 373-7888 or TEXT BeFree or 233733.
Gaston was also charged with Transportation for Purpose of Prostitution – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 2421(a), which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
The National City Police Department, San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, Homeland Security Investigations, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force investigated the case.
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Key Facts
- State: California
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Human Trafficking|Sex Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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