California DOJ-led San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force assisted with investigation

“Combating human trafficking is saving lives and helping in the rescue of vulnerable victims who need assistance to move forward.”

– CSLEA President Alan Barcelona

SAN DIEGO – On February 12, 2024, Gabriel Joseph Gonzalez, 20, of Pomona, was sentenced in federal court to 12 years in prison for sex trafficking a 15-year-old girl in early 2023.

Gonzalez pleaded guilty in July 2023 to one count of sex trafficking of a minor. The victim was a runaway living at a group home in Los Angeles County when Gonzalez began trafficking her. Gonzalez had known the victim since she was 13. He enticed her to leave the group home to engage in commercial sex work for Gonzalez’s financial benefit. He then transported the victim to San Diego and forced her to walk areas known for prostitution in National City.

During January 2023, Gonzalez forced the victim to engage in commercial sex work every day for seven straight days– except for the victim’s 16th birthday. He allowed her to take that day “off.”

The victim escaped by calling 911. She was rescued by the San Diego Police Department on January 26, 2023, and the case was turned over to the California DOJ-led San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force.

Even after entering a guilty plea in July 2023, Gonzalez attempted to continue to traffic the victim while in custody through jail calls. U.S. District Judge Larry Alan Burns pronounced the 12-year sentence, noting Gonzalez’s “absolute lack of remorse” in his conduct while in custody and his continued victimization of the minor.

“Human trafficking and sexual exploitation of a minor is inexcusable,” said California Attorney General Rob Bonta. “At the California Department of Justice, we are fighting to hold perpetrators accountable and help survivors get a fresh start. I’m thankful to all our partners for their collaboration in the California DOJ-led San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force. I’m proud of our office’s work to help uplift vulnerable Californians. When we work together, we get results.”

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Sex Trafficking of a Minor – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1591(a) and (b)(1)

Maximum penalty: Up to life in prison and $250,000 fine; Ten-year mandatory minimum sentence

AGENCIES

San Diego Police Department

National City Police Department

Federal Bureau of Investigation, San Diego

California DOJ-led San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force