Los Angeles Man Convicted of Sex Trafficking, Faces Possible Life Sentence

LOS ANGELES — A federal jury convicted a Los Angeles man Friday of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion for a years-long campaign of physical and sexual violence, psychological control, and drug addiction that compelled a woman to engage in commercial sex acts, according to court documents and federal prosecutors.

Elias Shabazz, 33, faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison after the jury returned its guilty verdict in the Central District of California. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

According to court documents, witness testimony, and evidence presented at trial, Shabazz led his victim to believe they were in a romantic relationship before turning physically and sexually violent and demanding she engage in commercial sex. Shabazz carried a handgun and used it on occasion to pistol-whip the victim, and at one point fired the weapon at her feet while threatening to kill her.

The victim testified that Shabazz introduced her to commercial sex, demanded she meet a daily quota of proceeds, and terrified her with threats of consequences for falling short. He compelled her to work on Figueroa Street in Los Angeles, an area she described as extremely dangerous. Shabazz confiscated the victim’s identification, social security card, and birth certificate, and constantly monitored her phone to prevent communication with family and friends. He also introduced her to addictive narcotics and controlled every aspect of her daily life — including when she ate, slept, and showered.

“Elias Shabazz preyed on a vulnerable victim using physical and sexual violence and cruel psychological coercion to compel commercial sex acts for his own profit,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “There is no place for this type of conduct in civilized society. We deeply respect the victim’s courage to face her trafficker in court. The Criminal Division will continue to bring these cases and try them.”

The jury convicted Shabazz on one count of sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion, but found him not guilty of a separate charge involving coercing interstate transportation for purposes of prostitution.

“Sex trafficking matters rank among the most tragic cases our office prosecutes,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli for the Central District of California. “This defendant will now face many years in a federal prison cell for his sick, disgusting, and disturbing behavior.”

“This case highlights Homeland Security Investigations’ determination to rescue victims from exploitation and ensure that those who commit such cruel and violent acts are held accountable,” said Special Agent in Charge Eddy Wang of HSI Los Angeles. “The defendant manipulated and terrorized the victim for his own gain, using violence, intimidation, and control. We commend the victim’s bravery for sharing her story.”

Registered Sex Offender Charged With Producing, Distributing Child Sexual Abuse Material Over 10-Year Period

LOS ANGELES — A federal grand jury in the Central District of California has indicted Andrew Dominguez, 37, of Los Angeles, on charges that he produced and distributed child sexual abuse material and attempted to entice three minors over a decade-long period, according to court documents unsealed Thursday.

Dominguez, who is required to register as a sex offender, faces two counts of production of child pornography, one count of attempted production, two counts of coercion and enticement of a minor, one count of distribution of child pornography, and one count of committing a felony involving a minor while being required to register as a sex offender. If convicted on all counts, he faces a maximum penalty of life in prison.

According to court documents, Dominguez attempted to entice three minors to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing visual depictions of such conduct in 2013, 2014, and 2023. He also distributed child sexual abuse material videos of a minor and used interstate commerce facilities to entice minors to engage in sexual acts.

“This indictment alleges a pattern of predatory conduct spanning years, targeting vulnerable minors for sexual exploitation,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “The charges reflect our determination to hold accountable those who produce and distribute child sexual abuse material, especially when they are already required to register as sex offenders.”

An indictment is merely an allegation; Dominguez is presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Alaska Man Sentenced to 40 Years for Producing Child Sexual Abuse Material, Posting Videos on Dark Web

JUNEAU, Alaska — A Juneau man was sentenced Tuesday to 40 years in federal prison followed by lifetime supervised release for sexually abusing a 10-year-old boy, producing over 100 images and videos depicting the abuse, and posting the material on dark web platforms where he bragged about his crimes, according to court documents and federal prosecutors.

William Steadman, 35, manipulated and groomed a vulnerable young boy he had access to in his community between March and August 2024, prosecutors said. He sexually abused the minor and produced more than 100 images and videos depicting the abuse, which he then shared on dark web platforms while boasting about his sexual abuse and manipulation of the child.

“This sentence holds William Steadman accountable for his depraved, sustained, and repeated sexual abuse and production of CSAM with a young child who had been entrusted to his care,” said Assistant Attorney General A. Tysen Duva of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division. “Protection of America’s children and the prosecution of those who abuse and take advantage of them will always be at the forefront of the Criminal Division’s mission.”

Steadman had previously been convicted of possessing child pornography in Alaska state court in 2018 and was required to register as a sex offender. Following his release from state custody, he amassed a collection of child sexual abuse material that included 3,300 images and over 1,100 videos, representing thousands of additional minor victims.

On Sept. 6, 2024, Steadman was arrested on a criminal complaint in Juneau. A federal grand jury indicted him roughly two weeks later. On March 31, 2025, Steadman pleaded guilty to one count of production of child pornography.

“Mr. Steadman’s conduct in this case was evil, and his desire to repeat and escalate his heinous offenses garnered a weighty prison sentence to protect the community from him for as long as possible,” said U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska. “My office has a phenomenal team of prosecutors dedicated to seeking justice against those who prey on the most vulnerable. Anyone who targets Alaska’s children will be found and held accountable for their perverse crimes.”

“The U.S. Secret Service is unwavering in its commitment to pursue predators who exploit and harm children,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Andrew Forrest of the USSS Criminal Investigative Division. “We will continue to work tirelessly alongside our law enforcement partners to ensure that anyone that commits these vile crimes is held fully accountable and their victims receive the justice they deserve.”