Violent Sex Trafficker Sentenced to More than 15 Years in Prison

NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY - September 16, 2024

SAN DIEGO - Troy Shelvin Cannon of Las Vegas was sentenced in federal court today to 188 months in prison for sex trafficking by fraud, force, or coercion. Cannon was convicted by a federal jury after a three-day trial in April.

The jury found that Cannon was sex trafficking an adult female victim and taking the money she earned from engaging in commercial sex acts to use for his own personal profit. Over many months, Cannon coerced the victim to continually engage in prostitution. For example, Cannon texted the victim messages that stated, in part:

• "And ima choke you so hard"
• "You making this ass whooping worse"
• "Bitch make some trap"
• "Hoe I got accolades and receipts and videos bout my pimping"

On December 20, 2023, Cannon followed through on his prior threats, violently assaulting the victim by strangling her and punching her face. Cannon left his victim with multiple serious injuries, which caused, in part, significant swelling to her forehead, bruising on her arms, and abrasions throughout her body.

According to evidence presented at trial, this was not Cannon's first foray into "pimping." For example, in 2021, Cannon was arrested for pandering in Las Vegas after he tried to traffic a detective who was undercover as a prostitute.

"Cannon used violence and intimidation to exploit a human being for profit," said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. "The court imposed a sentence today holding him accountable, and sending a message that this kind of crime for greed will not be tolerated in San Diego."

"HSI is committed to protecting the vulnerable and keeping our communities safe," said Christopher Davis, acting special agent in charge for HSI San Diego. "Every time HSI and our law enforcement partners are successful at apprehending violent predators, we deliver a strong message - exploitation will not be tolerated, and those who prey on the weak will face the full weight of the law."

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Derek Ko, Katie Grammenidis and Lyndzie Carter.

DEFENDANT Case Number 24cr0135-BAS

Troy Shelvin Cannon Age: 30 Las Vegas, Nevada

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Sex Trafficking by Force, Fraud, and Coercion - Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1591(a) and (b)(1)

Maximum penalty: Life in prison and $250,000 fine

INVESTIGATING AGENCIES

Homeland Security Investigations

San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force