Pasadena Predator Gets Nine Years for Trafficking Teen

Pasadena man Daylan Lamont Camp will spend the next nine years behind bars after being convicted of trafficking a 14-year-old girl. The case, uncovered by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force, reveals a chilling pattern of exploitation and premeditation. Camp pleaded guilty to one count of Conspiracy to Engage in Sex Trafficking of Children, admitting his role in a scheme that preyed on a vulnerable minor.

The investigation began in November 2020 when the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) flagged online advertisements featuring the girl, who had been reported as a runaway by Los Angeles County authorities. These ads, circulating on internet-based platforms, quickly drew the attention of HSI agents who initiated an undercover operation. The feds weren’t just looking at ads; they were tracking a predator.

Evidence uncovered during the probe painted a disturbing picture of Camp’s involvement. Investigators found extensive communication between Camp and the victim, in which he referred to the girl with dehumanizing language – including the vile term “baby hoe.” This isn’t just about moving a person; it’s about stripping away their humanity and treating them as a commodity, federal prosecutors argued in court.

Camp didn’t act alone. He colluded with an adult female accomplice to arrange the girl’s travel from the Los Angeles area to San Diego. They secured hotel rooms and meticulously planned her transportation, demonstrating a calculated effort to facilitate her exploitation. This wasn’t a spontaneous act; it was a carefully orchestrated criminal enterprise designed for profit.

The operation culminated in the recovery of both the 14-year-old victim and another adult woman engaged in commercial sex at a San Diego hotel. The rescue operation ensured the immediate safety of both individuals and provided crucial evidence for the prosecution. The feds have made it clear they are committed to dismantling these networks and protecting vulnerable individuals.

While a nine-year sentence offers some measure of accountability, the scars of this exploitation will likely last a lifetime. This case serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive nature of sex trafficking and the urgent need for continued vigilance and robust law enforcement efforts. The Violent Crime and Human Trafficking Section of the federal prosecutor’s office will continue to pursue these predators with relentless dedication.

The plea agreement and subsequent sentencing demonstrate a willingness by the defendant to accept responsibility, but it doesn’t erase the harm caused. Camp’s actions are a betrayal of trust and a devastating example of how easily young lives can be exploited. The feds are sending a clear message: those who engage in sex trafficking will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.

This case is a grim illustration of a growing problem. The investigation highlights the crucial role of public-private partnerships, like the one between HSI and the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force, in identifying and rescuing victims and bringing perpetrators to justice. If you suspect someone is a victim of sex trafficking, report it immediately to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.