People v. Starks CA3

BACKGROUND

The information alleged Starks committed human trafficking of a minor, pimping a minor, and pandering a minor. (Pen. Code, §§ 236.1, subd. (c)(1), 266h, subd. (b)(2), & 266i, subd. (b)(2).)1 The information further alleged the following aggravating factors: (a) the victim was particularly vulnerable; (b) the manner in which the crimes were carried out indicated planning, sophistication, or professionalism; and (c) Starks took advantage of a position of trust or confidence. (Cal. Rules of Court, rule 4.421(a)(3), (8) & (11).)2 The 15-year-old victim in this case was four foot 11 inches tall and weighed about 115 pounds. She lived with her grandmother until about seventh grade and after that, she alternated between living with her grandmother and her mother. The grandmother testified the victim was in and out of juvenile hall and there was an attempt to place the victim in her custody, but the grandmother did not finish the paperwork because the victim’s mother did not want the grandmother to have her. As a result, the victim came and went to and from her grandmother’s home all the time. The crimes in this case occurred between August and September of 2021. At that time,…