SAN DIEGO, California — A Long Beach man has been sentenced to nine years in federal prison for trafficking two teenage girls, ages 15 and 16, to San Diego for prostitution, as confirmed by prosecutors.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California reported that one of the girls had been reported missing from Arizona before 26-year-old Deonathan Gaston transported her to Los Angeles and then San Diego. Gaston had known one of the victims since she was 14.
The victims were discovered on August 13, 2023, during a traffic stop by the National City Police Department in an area known for prostitution, where Gaston was encountered without a driver’s license. He then called his “girlfriend” to retrieve the car, who turned out to be the missing girl from Arizona.
The other victim was located at their hotel, and the case was handed over to the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force for further investigation.
This incident highlights the ongoing efforts to combat human trafficking and protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation. If you notice suspicious activities related to human trafficking, do not hesitate to call the authorities immediately. Contact us today for a free consultation if you or someone you know has been a victim.
