Gang Member Convicted of Pimping NR16373sr

Los Angeles: On June 7, 2016 the
Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), Operations South Bureau Human
Trafficking Task Force, in partnership with the Los Angeles County
District Attorney’s Office, concluded by way of felony conviction
of a 15 month investigation into a claim of a gang member pimping a
female.

The
defendant in this case, Christian Wheeler, 27- years old, of Los
Angeles, California, was convicted of pimping, under the California
street terrorism enforcement and prevention act. The victim in this
case was a 19-year-old female from Lake Perris, California.

The investigation began when the victim reported that Wheeler
persuaded her to work as prostitute along Figueroa Street and
Western Avenue in South Los Angeles. Wheeler demanded the victim to
earn $400 to $500 dollars daily in which the victim was forced to
give all of her earning to Wheeler. While the victim was under the
control of Wheeler he threatened her with a firearm by placing the
barrel of the gun in her mouth while holding her chin and stating
“Look at me, I want to kill you right now, I should shoot you in
the face”. Wheeler also threatened to shoot and kill the victim’s
family. After several days of the victim being under the control of
her pimp she was able to text message her father where she was
located and then immediately deleted the text fearing Wheeler may
see the messages. The text messages resulted in the victim’s father
notifying the police and the response of uniformed Los Angeles
Police Officers.

Wheeler, a self-admitted gang member has pled guilty in Los Angeles
Superior Court to pimping charges and violation the California
street terrorism enforcement and prevention act. Wheeler received
an 11 year sentence for his crime.

Anyone with information regards to this suspect is asked to call
Operations South Bureau Human Trafficking Task Force at
213-926-3963. During non-business hours, calls should be directed
to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain
anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS
(800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting
to 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text
messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Tipsters may also go
to LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.