People v. Macias CA2/4

INTRODUCTION

A jury convicted defendant Christian Macias of human trafficking of a minor (Veronica A.) for a commercial sex act. On appeal, defendant challenges the sufficiency of the evidence of his conviction. He also asserts his trial counsel provided prejudicial ineffective assistance. We affirm the judgment.

STATEMENT OF FACTS

Veronica was born in September 2004. In May 2022, she was 17 years old and living in Lancaster with her mother. She was attending high school. In June or July 2022, Veronica’s friend, Roxanne, asked her to meet defendant. Veronica did not know his real name but knew him as “Shoota.” Roxanne told Veroncia that defendant was a friend who took care of her. It was only later that Veroncia learned Roxanne worked for defendant as a sex worker. At this initial meeting, defendant interviewed Veronica for sex work on “the Blade.” The Blade was a street in Compton where sex workers congregated. After the meeting, defendant drove Veronica and Roxanne to the Blade. Defendant directed Veronica on how much to charge customers for her services. For example, she was told to charge $120 for a car date, which meant engaging in sexual acts in the customer’s car.…