Los Angeles jurors Friday found a former Riverside County man guilty of sex trafficking after he was accused of forcing a victim to engage in commercial sex acts along the Figueroa Corridor in South LA.
Elias Abdul Shabazz, 34, convinced a victim they were involved in a romantic relationship and later turned physically violent, federal prosecutors argued during a five-day trial.
Shabazz allegedly confiscated the victim’s personal identification materials, such as a social security card, while forcing her to work on the Figueroa Corridor, a 3.5-mile stretch of Figueroa Street infamous for human trafficking.
“The defendant manipulated and terrorized the victim for his own gain, using violence, intimidation, and control,” Eddy Wang, one of the investigator in the case, said. “We commend the victim’s bravery for sharing her story.”
The victim testified against Shabazz in court, sharing with jurors the threats Shabazz made against her, according to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ).
Shabazz, who previously lived in Perris, is also accused of hitting the victim with his weapon and threatened her by firing the gun at her feet.
Prosecutors added the man introduced her to drugs in a way to control “every aspect of her life.”
“Sex trafficking matters rank among the most tragic cases our office prosecutes,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli. “This defendant will now face many years in a federal prison cell for his sick, disgusting, and disturbing behavior.”
After being found guilty on one count of coercing or enticing interstate transportation for purposes of prostitution, Shabazz faces a minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum of a life in prison, according to the DOJ.
The sentencing hearing is scheduled for Oct. 6.
Anyone who has information about human trafficking is urged to report that information to the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free at (888) 373-7888, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week