People v. Tobin CA3

BACKGROUND

The amended information charged defendant with human trafficking, pimping, and pandering. (Pen. Code, §§ 236.1, subd. (b), 266h, subd. (a), 266i, subd. (a)(2).)1 It also alleged a host of circumstances in aggravation which are not relevant to the disposition of this appeal. The victim testified that she met defendant through a social media platform. She was 25 years old at the time. Defendant operated under the moniker “Mo Money.” The victim was in dire financial straits and defendant told her that he could help her out financially. When the victim met defendant in person, she knew the proposal might involve prostitution. When they met, defendant told her she could “bust dates” (have sex for money) and he would protect her. This was not a new idea for her as the victim had engaged in prostitution when she was 19 years old. In exchange for his protection, defendant would take 50 percent of the money she made. The victim agreed. A couple of hours after their first meeting, the two went back to her home and defendant put the victim’s clothes and makeup together and took her to a place called “the blade” where prostitutes “walk around on the sidewalk and ask people that…