Dameon Depree Jefferson, 40, of Portland, Ore., has been sentenced to 12 years in state prison for trafficking a 15-year-old in Orange County.
Between June 15, 2015 and June 22, 2015, Jefferson pandered two females and pimped one.
On June 22, 2015, Anaheim Police Department (APD) located the two women in an area of Orange County known for prostitution.
APD contacted the Orange County Human Trafficking Task Force (OCHTTF) who arrived and conducted surveillance.
Jefferson dropped off both women in this area to solicit commercial sex.
OCHTTF found the defendant to be in possession of items belonging to the two victims.
On or about July 21, 2016, Jefferson trafficked, pimped and pandered a 15-year-old female.
At that time, he was out of custody after posting $50,000 bail in the case involving the original two females.
OCHTTF responded to information about a missing juvenile, who they believed to be the 15-year-old.
An OCHTTF investigator set up a “date” with the 15-year-old, who was later confirmed to be the missing juvenile.
After conducting surveillance at a nearby motel, OCHTTF found the 15-year-old walking to a vehicle with Jefferson.
The defendant drove the 15-year-old to another motel where the “date” had been arranged.
OCHTTF officers contacted the 15-year-old upon entry into the room and later arrested the defendant.
While in Orange County, investigators learned that Jefferson posted advertisements online on a well-known prostitution website soliciting the 15-year-old for sex and rented rooms in multiple hotels for the purpose of having her engage in commercial sex acts for his financial benefit.
Members of the OCHTTF and the Orange County District Attorney’s (OCDA) office work proactively to protect women and minors from falling victim to commercial sexual exploitation. This case was investigated by OCHTTF, a partnership between the APD, California Highway Patrol, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Newport Beach Police Department, Costa Mesa Police Department, Irvine Police Department, Santa Ana Police Department, OCDA and community and non-profit partners.
