SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Darell Davis, 22, of Sacramento, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison and ordered to pay over $9,900 in restitution for conspiring to sex traffic an 18-year-old woman in San Diego, the Department of Justice reported.
Davis pleaded guilty on Sept. 11 to conspiracy to commit sex trafficking through force, fraud, and coercion, related to actions from Dec. 15, 2022, to Jan. 11, 2023. During this time, he transported the victim from Sacramento to San Diego to exploit her for financial gain.
The victim told authorities she met Davis when she was 17 and was introduced to a prostitution culture controlled by Davis, who set daily quotas, required six-day workweeks with 10–14 hour days, and demanded all earnings. He tracked her location via a tracking app and reportedly abused her physically, also using a handgun to instill fear.
On Jan. 10, 2023, the victim contacted the San Diego Police Department, identifying Davis by his moniker, “Benzo.” The following day, law enforcement arrested him outside a hotel in Chula Vista. A search of his room revealed a loaded, non-serialized handgun and ammunition.
Attorney General Rob Bonta emphasized, “Sex trafficking through force, fraud, or coercion is a terrible crime that has no place in California… We are committed to holding accountable those who prey on Californians for their own financial gain.”
U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon added, “Behind the misleading smiles in online ads are coerced victims being controlled, threatened, and abused while traffickers profit. This is exploitation at its ugliest.”
