LA Man Elias Shabazz Convicted of Sex Trafficking by Force and Coercion

A federal jury in Los Angeles convicted Elias Shabazz, 33, of sex trafficking by force, fraud, and coercion. He faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years in federal prison.

Los Angeles Man Found Guilty of Forcing Victim Into Commercial Sex

A federal jury in the Central District of California convicted Elias Shabazz, 33, of Los Angeles, of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, DOJ Justice News reports.

"Elias Shabazz preyed on a vulnerable victim using physical and sexual violence and cruel psychological coercion to compel commercial sex acts for his own profit," said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department's Criminal Division. "There is no place for this type of conduct in civilized society."

First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli for the Central District of California called sex trafficking cases among the most tragic his office prosecutes. "This defendant will now face many years in a federal prison cell for his sick, disgusting, and disturbing behavior," Essayli said.

Special Agent in Charge Eddy Wang of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Los Angeles Field Office said the case illustrates HSI's commitment to rescuing victims from exploitation. "The defendant manipulated and terrorized the victim for his own gain, using violence, intimidation, and control," Wang said, commending the victim's bravery for testifying.

Handgun, Daily Quotas, and Controlled Isolation

According to court documents, witness testimony, and evidence presented at trial, Shabazz initially led the victim to believe they were in a romantic relationship before turning physically and sexually violent. He carried a handgun and used it to pistol whip her on multiple occasions. He also fired the weapon at her feet while threatening to kill her.

At trial, the victim described how Shabazz introduced her to commercial sex work, imposed a daily quota of proceeds she was required to meet, and made clear the consequences of falling short. She testified that he forced her to work on Figueroa Street in Los Angeles, a location she described as dangerous.

Shabazz confiscated her identification documents — including her social security card and birth certificate — and monitored her phone to cut off contact with family and friends. He introduced her to addictive narcotics and controlled when she ate, slept, and showered.

Verdict and Sentencing

The jury convicted Shabazz on one count of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion. He was found not guilty on a separate count of coercing or enticing interstate transportation for purposes of prostitution.

No sentencing date has been set. Shabazz faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison and a maximum of life. A federal district court judge will determine the final sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The case is being prosecuted by Trial Attorney Kate A. Alexander of the Criminal Division's Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen I. Meyer for the Central District of California.

Anyone with information about human trafficking can contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at 1-888-373-7888, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Source: DOJ Justice News