Alleged Pimp Found Guilty in First State Human Trafficking Charge

Sara Lerner
11/25/2009

A dramatic and historic trial came to an end at the King County courthouse yesterday. KUOW's Sara Lerner has the story. And just a warning, the details of this case may be disturbing to some listeners.

Court Clerk: "We the jury find the defendant DeShawn Cash Money Clark guilty of the crime of human trafficking in the second degree."

The court clerk yesterday read words that have never before been uttered on the state level here in Washington. No one had yet been prosecuted under, or found guilty of, human trafficking even though the Legislature made human trafficking a crime six years ago.

Over the seven week trial, King County prosecutors aimed to prove 19–year–old DeShawn Cash Money Clark was a brutal pimp who conned young, vulnerable girls.

The state alleges Clark was a member of a violent gang called West Side Street MOBB. One piece of evidence showed a picture of an alleged fellow gang member's tee shirt, spelling out what MOBB stands for: Money Over Broke Bitches.

One of several young women who testified said she worked for Clark for a short period. She said she wasn't allowed off the street until she made at least $500. She said she gave all of her money to him. She was 15 at the time.

Clark's attorney, Alfoster Garrett, in his closing statements, said he was disappointed there were no African–American members of the jury. He said he believed the all–white jury didn't understand hip–hop culture.

Garrett: "When a black kid says 'I'm big pimpin' baby,' that doesn't mean he's turning out young girls. It's boasting. It's bragging. It means he can get women."

King County Deputy Prosecutor Sean O'Donnell said the evidence and testimony should speak for itself.

Human trafficking is using force, fraud or coercion to get someone to engage in forced labor. O'Donnell went over the definition when he addressed the jury in his closing statement.

O'Donnell: "When you put someone in the sex industry and you threaten them — threaten with hurting them or killing them — as you heard in this case, that is human trafficking."

Some detectives, victims advocate workers and state legislators have been dismayed human trafficking hasn't yet been charged on the state level. They're watching this case closely, as it is testing the law.

The jury also found Clark guilty of commercial sexual abuse of a minor, promoting prostitution, unlawful imprisonment and conspiracy.

As the defendant left the courtroom, tears streamed down his face.

Under human trafficking, the steepest charge, the defendant faces 13 1/2 to 18 years. A sentencing date has not yet been set.

For KUOW News, I'm Sara Lerner.

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