A transient from Florida who was arrested last April on multiple charges has pleaded guilty to six felony counts following his apprehension in Ventura County.
According to a release from the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, Arayveion Edwards was arrested on April 18, 2023, after Ventura Police Department officers located him in a stolen vehicle.
“During that contact, a female with Edwards pleaded with officers for help,” the DA’s office said. “Edwards was also found to be in possession of a loaded unregistered firearm and high-capacity magazines.”
Preliminary investigation revealed that Edwards had brought the victim from Florida to Ventura County and forced her to engage in sex acts along the way to fund the trip. Edwards used physical violence and psychological coercion when the victim tried to leave or refused to prostitute herself, officials said.
On Tuesday, Edwards pled guilty to six felonies, including human trafficking, pimping and possession of an unregistered loaded firearm and a high-capacity magazine. He also admitted to the special allegation that the victim was vulnerable.
“This conviction underscores our commitment to protect the vulnerable, restore dignity to survivors and sends a powerful message to those who exploit others,” said Rikole Kelly, who helped prosecute the case with the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office’s Sexual Assault Unit.
Edwards’ sentencing is scheduled for April 23. He remains in custody at the Ventura County Jail on $250,000 bail.