Press Release
Arizona Man Sentenced to 108 Months for Transporting Victim for Prostitution
For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of California
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY – May 12, 2023
SAN DIEGO – Ashton Jordan was sentenced in federal court today to 108 months in prison for transporting a woman from Nevada to Arizona to California in order to cause her to engage in prostitution.
Jordan was arrested in Arizona in November 2021 on sex trafficking charges following his indictment by a federal grand jury. He first came to the attention of law enforcement in July 2021 when the victim escaped from Jordan at a hotel in downtown San Diego. She reported at the time that Jordan had used violence against her to cause her to stay with him and prostitute herself for his financial benefit. Jordan was on probation at the time of his offense.
Jordan pleaded guilty in November 2022. In his plea agreement, Jordan admitted that he brought the victim to San Diego with the intent that she would be engaging in prostitution. During the time that Jordan was with the victim, he further admitted that he was physically violent with her on multiple occasions in order to cause her to engage in prostitution.
“I applaud the bravery of this victim,” said U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. “The defendant’s reprehensible actions have forever impacted her life, and for that he will pay a high price. We will never relent in our pursuit of justice for victims.” Grossman thanked the prosecution team and the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force for their excellent work on this case.
“Human trafficking and sexual exploitation destroy lives,” said California Attorney General Rob Bonta. “Today’s sentencing is another example of our commitment to hold perpetrators accountable and help survivors get a fresh start. I’m thankful to all of our partners on the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force for their collaboration and I’m proud of our office’s work to help uplift vulnerable Californians. When we work together, we get results. At the California Department of Justice, we’re always ready to answer the call when it comes to standing up for public safety.”
“Jordan preyed on, manipulated, and exploited his victim for his own financial gain—he showed zero regard for human life,” said Acting Special Agent in Charge Houtan Moshrefi. “Sex trafficking happens every day, and it often occurs in plain sight. When you see something that doesn’t feel right, report it to law enforcement. FBI San Diego will continue to collaborate with our partners at every level to hold accountable all who believe a living being can be reduced to a dollar amount.”
Jordan has been detained in custody since his arrest in November 2021.
At the sentencing hearing today, U.S. District Court Judge Dana M. Sabraw not only imposed the 108-month prison sentence, but also ordered Jordan to serve 10 years of supervised release following his release from custody.
DEFENDANTS Case Number 22cr2649-DMS
Ashton Tylon Amir Jordan Age: 28 Phoenix, AZ
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Transportation for Purposes of Prostitution – Title 18, U.S.C., Section 2421
Maximum penalty: Ten years in prison and $250,000 fine
AGENCY
San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force, which consists of:
Federal Bureau of Investigation
California Department of Justice
California Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation – Parole
California Highway Patrol
ICE/Homeland Security Investigations
National City Police Department
San Diego City Attorney’s Office
San Diego County District Attorney’s Office
San Diego County Probation Department
San Diego County Sheriff’s Department
San Diego Police Department
United States Attorney’s Office, Southern District of California
Contact
Assistant U. S. Attorney Katherine McGrath (619) 546-9054 and Jill Streja (619) 546-8401
Updated May 12, 2023
Topic
Human Trafficking
Component