Defendant Convicted of Human Trafficking, Pimping, Pandering

DATE:  August 6, 2021

CASE: David Towner (Case #20FE004466)

PROSECUTOR: Deputy District Attorney Courtney Martin, Human Trafficking Unit

David Towner was convicted by a jury of human trafficking, human trafficking of a minor, two counts of pimping, two counts of pandering, and two counts of witness intimidation.

On January 15, 2020, detectives from the Sacramento Police Department’s Human Trafficking Unit contacted a 16-year-old girl who they believed may be a victim of sex trafficking.  When reviewing the victim’s cell phone with her consent, a detective found communication from Towner trying to recruit her into prostitution. Further investigation revealed evidence of Towner’s prolific efforts to recruit women to work in prostitution for him. Several other victims reported that Towner had sexually exploited them. One of the victims reported that Towner picked her up from Reno under the pretense of giving her a ride, but began trafficking her when they arrived in Sacramento. Towner used a variety of tactics to coerce her including threatening her, isolating her, closely monitoring her, and giving her heroin to impair her.

Towner faces a maximum of 26 years in prison.  Sentencing is set for October 15, 2021, at 9:00 a.m. in Department 33 before the Honorable Laurel White.

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