A man who victims said had used extreme acts of violence to force them into prostitution was convicted of human trafficking, among other charges, last week and faces 113 years to life in prison for his crimes. 

35-year-old James Suawvey Conley was arrested in June 22, 2012 after it was determined that he was part of a multi-million dollar pimping operation that controlled a prostitution track along Long Beach Boulevard, from the 710 Freeway into Compton.

A female juvenile broke the case when she was arrested for prostitution in March 2012 and told detectives that she had been forced into the profession by Conley, who used violence to control his victims. She also identified two other juvenile victims, both of whom were between the ages of 15 and 17. 

Conley was charged and convicted on nine counts relating to charges of human trafficking, lewd acts on a minor and pimping/pandering. Sentencing is scheduled for June 11, 2014. 

Anyone who is, or has been a victim of human trafficking is urged to come forward by contacting the Long Beach Police Department’s Vice Investigations Detail at (562) 570-7219.  Any victim in need of resources is also encouraged to contact detectives.      

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