The Long Beach Police Department (LBPD) arrested 33-year-old Compton resident Edward Watson on charges relating to a variety of human sex trafficking violations.

Initially responding to a call regarding a male chasing a female with a hammer near 60th and Atlantic Avenue in North Long Beach on February 3, LBPD soon interviewed the victim to discover she was under Watson’s control. Not only had the 24-year-old victim been assaulted by Watson but alleged that she was used for prostitution after she had befriended Watson six months earlier.

The following day, after Vice detectives continued their investigation, LBPD arrested Watson near the scene of the initial incident. At the time of his arrest, another adult female had accompanied him; it is believed by the LBPD that she voluntarily acted as a prostitute for Watson.

He was charged with one count of human trafficking, one count of assault with a deadly weapon, one count of pandering, and two counts of pimping. If convicted, he could face up to 46 years in prison.

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