Los Angeles, California — District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman is taking a strong stance against human trafficking with the recent filing of felony charges against three individuals. The cases, investigated by the Los Angeles Police Department, highlight the ongoing efforts to combat this form of modern-day slavery in California.
Derran Adkins, 27, from Paramount, is accused of trafficking both a minor and an adult, with allegations of inflicting great bodily injury upon his victims. Adkins entered a not-guilty plea and is currently held without bail. He faces a potential sentence of 70 years to life imprisonment if convicted.
In a separate case, 20-year-old Fabian Gilbert from Los Angeles was charged with pandering. Gilbert, already facing charges for a previous felony, is also accused of possessing a firearm. He pleaded not guilty and could face over eight years in prison if convicted.
Kevin Thomas, 25, from Los Angeles, also faces pandering charges. With a prior conviction for a serious or violent felony, Thomas could face up to 12 years in prison. He entered a not-guilty plea, and his bail is $100,000.
These cases underscore the severity of human trafficking crimes in California and the commitment of law enforcement to hold perpetrators accountable. Under California law, human trafficking involves compelling or coercing a person into commercial sex acts or labor through force, fraud, or coercion. Exploitation of a minor for commercial sex constitutes human trafficking, regardless of whether coercion was used.
