PROSECUTOR: Deputy District Attorney Courtney Martin, Human Trafficking Unit
Dominick Roberson was convicted by a jury of human trafficking, pimping, pandering, making criminal threats and felon in possession of a firearm. The jury also found true aggravating factors that the victim was particularly vulnerable and that Roberson took advantage of a position of trust; his criminal history involved numerous prior convictions or was increasingly serious; he had served a prior term in prison; he was on parole at the time of the crimes; and his prior performance on parole had been unsatisfactory.
In the summer of 2022, Roberson met the victim and expressed romantic interest in her. The two began dating and as their relationship developed, Roberson’s actions and tone toward her changed. Roberson became threatening, verbally abusive and he physically assaulted her. He gave her directions regarding selling sex and put her out on the street in a well-known prostitution “stroll” area. He required her to give him the money she made from prostitution and continued to exercise control over her, including through physical violence and threats to her and her family. During a routine medical visit, an astute service provider realized something was wrong with the victim and asked her if she needed help. Law enforcement was notified and Roberson was arrested. Officers also found a handgun in Roberson’s car.
The jury found true that Roberson has a prior strike conviction for robbery and two prior strike convictions for assault with a deadly weapon.
Roberson faces a maximum sentence of 36 years to life in state prison. Sentencing is set for August 11, 2023, at 9:00 a.m. in Department 29 before the Honorable Delbert Oros.
