Man Sentenced for Transporting Three Teens to San Diego for Prostitution

NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY - Sept 13, 2024

SAN DIEGO - Clifford Stokes Jr. of Tempe, Arizona, was sentenced in federal court today to 10 years in prison for transporting a 19-year-old woman and two 16-year-old girls from Arizona to San Diego in January 2023 to engage in prostitution. One of the minor victims was reported as a missing juvenile from Arizona at the time Stokes drove her and the other two victims to an area in San Diego known for street-based commercial sex trafficking.

On January 17, 2023, San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force officers were conducting an operation in a high-prostitution area to recover sex trafficking victims when they observed Stokes driving his vehicle with out-of-state plates into the area and letting two of the victims out of the car. Officers observed as the victims began walking the street and waving at vehicles. When Stokes returned to the area in his vehicle to pick up the two victims, task force officers initiated a traffic stop. Stokes, the driver of the vehicle, was found to be in possession of a loaded firearm, and the three victims were passengers.

The adult victim told investigators that Stokes used violence and threats of violence to require her to earn $1,000 a day in commercial sex acts for his financial benefit. Officers were able to quickly identify the juvenile victims and contact Child Welfare Services, helping to reunite the victims with their families back home to Arizona.

"Today's sentence underscores the gravity of human trafficking crimes," said U.S. Attorney Tara McGrath. "The road to recovery for these young girls will be long and painful, but they will walk free from fear and brutality years before this defendant is released from prison."

"This sentencing sends a clear message to potential offenders that they will be held accountable for their criminal behavior and the exploitation of the youth in California will not be tolerated," said Attorney General Bonta. "I'm extremely grateful to our San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force, local law enforcement and our federal partners for their dedication and commitment to keeping our communities safe. My office always stands ready to work with our partners across California to fight for public safety."

"Predatory behavior will not be tolerated by HSI," said Christopher Davis, acting special agent in charge for HSI San Diego. "This investigation demonstrates HSI's unwavering commitment to protecting the victims of these crimes and bringing these predators to justice."

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. Attorney Derek Ko and Lyndzie M. Carter.

DEFENDANTS Case Number 23-cr-00258-TWR

Clifford Stokes Jr. Age: 23 Tempe, AZ

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

INVESTIGATING AGENCIES

San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force

San Diego Police Department

San Diego Sheriff's Office

California Highway Patrol