By Redaccion
[email protected]
Ventura County District Attorney Erik Nasarenko announced today that on March 5, 2024, Arayveion Edwards (DOB 05/13/97), of Florida, pled guilty to six felony counts, including human trafficking, pimping, and possession of an unregistered loaded firearm and high-capacity magazine. He also admitted to the special allegation that the victim was vulnerable.
On April 18, 2023, officers with the Ventura Police Department contacted Edwards after locating a stolen vehicle. During that contact, a female with Edwards pleaded with officers for help. Edwards was also found to be in possession of a loaded unregistered firearm and high-capacity magazines.
Edwards had brought the victim from Florida to California and, along the way, forced her to engage in commercial sex work to fund the trip. When she tried several times to leave or refused to prostitute herself, Edwards would force her by using physical violence and psychological coercion.
Deputy District Attorney Rikole Kelly, a member of the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office Sexual Assault Unit, prosecuted the case.
«This conviction underscores our commitment to protect the vulnerable, restore dignity to survivors, and sends a powerful message to those who exploit others,» Ms. Kelly said.
Edwards is scheduled to be sentenced on April 23, 2024, at 9:00 a.m. in courtroom 11 of the Ventura County Superior Court. Edwards remains in custody at the Ventura County Jail on $250,000 bail.
Case 2023009471
Defendant Information:
Arayveion Edwards (DOB 05/13/97)
Transient from Florida
Charges:
- PC 236.1(b) – Human trafficking
- PC 266h(a) – Pimping
- PC 266i(a) – Pandering
- PC 25850(c)(6) – Possession of a loaded, unregistered firearm
- PC 32310(a) – Possession of a high-capacity magazine
- VC 10851(a) – Unlawful taking and driving a vehicle
Special Allegations
- CRC 4.421(a)(3) – Victim was vulnerable
