People v. Streams CA5

BACKGROUND

On April 28, 2023, an undercover Bakersfield police officer was working in an area of Bakersfield known for prostitution. The undercover officer noticed a silver SUV and a prostitute (B.S.) standing next to the SUV talking to the driver. The undercover officer observed that B.S. would stay near the SUV as she attempted to wave down passing cars. The undercover officer also noticed that the driver’s window was rolled down and the SUV did not move. After about 90 minutes, B.S. got into the SUV and drove away. The undercover officer believed that the driver of the SUV had been providing protection for B.S. A marked patrol vehicle stopped the SUV. Defendant was the driver of the SUV. In response to questions from the undercover officer, defendant disclosed that: he was a security guard and B.S. was his girlfriend; he had driven B.S. to the area from Fresno; he knew B.S. was engaging in prostitution but did not like or condone her doing so; he was making sure B.S. was good, looking out for her, providing security for her, and acting as her lookout; he was not being paid by B.S.; and he was just waiting on B.S. so that he could go home. Defendant was arrested for pandering.…