Actor and 6 others sentenced to 20 years for Sex Trafficking

Ruben Andre Garcia, A porn actor and producer who recruited young women under false pretences to appear in videos for San Diego-based website GirlsDoPorn.com was sentenced to 20 years in custody in connection with his pleas to federal sex-trafficking and conspiracy charges. He was amongst six others charged with filming pornographic scenes that prosecutors said were made under coercive and fraudulent circumstances. The site’s co-creator, Michael James Pratt, remains at large.

Ruben Andre Garcia lured one victim after another with fake modelling advertising, false promises and deceptive front companies, ultimately devolving to threats to coerce these women into making sex videos.

Many of the women testified that Garcia sexually assaulted them and spoke of how the videos’ existence continues to plague them years after the fact, destroying familial relationships and employment prospects. Some of the women said they attempted suicide after the videos were released and continue to seek therapy to this day.

If the women ever changed their minds about filming or completing the scenes, the defendants threatened to sue them, cancel their flights home, or post footage that had already been filmed online.

Other victims were physically prevented from leaving the San Diego hotel rooms or short-term rental units where the scenes were filmed, often with defendants barricading the doors with cameras or recording equipment, prosecutors said.

Beware of Lucrative Job Advertising.

Beware of lucrative job advertising.  Always make use of reputable employment agencies. Do your research on companies before submitting any of your personal information to people or companies. If you or someone you know could be a victim of sex trafficking or exploitation, or have a story to share, contact the Hope to Heal Foundation, 078 906 7461, media@hopetoheal.org.za