Man Sentenced for Forcing Three Women to Travel to San Diego for Prostitution; Lifeguard Makes Different Kind of Rescue

NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY - July 25, 2024

SAN DIEGO - David Warren of Las Vegas was sentenced in federal court today to 10 years in prison for coercing three women to engage in prostitution and transporting them from Las Vegas to San Diego for that purpose.

Authorities found the women after one victim approached a San Diego lifeguard to ask for help on September 12, 2023, at Mission Beach. The victim said she was trafficked from Las Vegas and wanted help. The lifeguard immediately notified San Diego Police. The San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force quickly located and recovered the other two victims at a local hotel and arrested Warren.

According to his plea agreement, Warren preyed on and trafficked the victims-one of whom was homeless and vulnerable to substance abuse--through violence, threats of violence, and emotional abuse. Once Warren and the women were in San Diego, he took the victims to various beaches to solicit customers.

"Profiteers exploit victims of human trafficking anywhere they think they can take advantage, even on the beach in daylight," said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. "This brave woman saved herself and others by trusting a San Diego lifeguard who immediately jumped into action."

"The DOJ-led San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force is laser-focused on holding human traffickers accountable in San Diego County," said California Attorney General Rob Bonta. "We must work together across every level of government and society to help bring human trafficking to an end. No one agency can do it all alone. I am grateful to our local, state and federal partners for holding traffickers accountable and creating a real, lasting impact on survivors."

"This circumstance was not the typical rescue our lifeguards perform," said Marine Safety Captain Maureen Hodges. "However, we were glad to be of service and keep this victim safe while notifying San Diego Police that she needed assistance."

"The San Diego Police Department is a proud member of the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force (SDHTTF)," said Chief Scott Wahl. "The suspect in this case used violence and manipulation to control his victims. Thankfully, due to the quick action of the SDPD and SDHTTF, Warren was arrested and all three victims in the case were rescued. SDPD remains committed to utilizing every resource to rescue victims of human trafficking, while holding their traffickers accountable."

If you are living or working under threat of violence or extortion, or you suspect someone else may be, call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center toll free, 24/7 Hotline: CALL: (888) 373-7888 or TEXT BeFree or 233733.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Derek Ko and Lyndzie M. Carter.

DEFENDANT Case Number 23-cr-2102-JLS

David Warren Age: 37 Las Vegas, NV

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Transportation for Purpose of Prostitution - Title 18, U.S.C., Section 2421(a)

Maximum penalty: Ten years in prison and $250,000 fine

Coercion and Enticement - Title 18, U.S.C., Section 2422(a)

Maximum penalty: Twenty years in prison and $250,000 fine

INVESTIGATING AGENCIES

Homeland Security Investigations

San Diego Police Department

San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force

City of San Diego, Fire-Rescue Department, Lifeguard Services Division