Two 13-year-old girls were abducted on June 3, 2023, in Bell Gardens, California, and taken to an Airbnb owned by Daisy Pollard-Gilliam. The girls were raped for days by Reuben Gilliam and other unknown men, who planned to film them for adult content sites before they were rescued by the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department on June 9. Gilliam and Pollard-Gilliam are accused of sex trafficking children and making them engage in sexual activities with adult males to make money. The girls were also forced to pose for photos for commercial sex advertisements during their captivity.
The girls were taken to a home in Sunland on June 8, described as a “mansion in the mountains,” before being ordered to leave the next day. They were then driven to a recreational vehicle in Gardena, where they were rescued by deputies on June 9. Additional information revealed that Pollard-Gilliam shared inappropriate images of the girls with an inmate at Kern Valley State Prison and Gilliam discussed filming them for adult entertainment sites through his Instagram account. The case highlights the prevalence of sex trafficking and exploitation, particularly among vulnerable populations like children in welfare or juvenile justice systems.
Investigators discovered the involvement of Pollard-Gilliam and Gilliam in sex trafficking through various means, including sharing images of the victims and discussing their exploitation. Instagram messages suggest that Gilliam had plans to film the girls for OnlyFans and Pornhub content, which raises concerns about the exploitation of vulnerable individuals in the adult entertainment industry. The case sheds light on the need for stricter regulations and protections to prevent human trafficking and exploitation, especially among at-risk populations.
Sex trafficking is a crime of exploitation that involves forcing victims to engage in sex acts or labor for profit. Children in the foster care system or juvenile justice systems are particularly vulnerable to human trafficking, making them easy targets for traffickers. The U.S. Department of Justice defines sex trafficking as a form of human trafficking that exploits victims for financial gain. By reporting potential trafficking situations to the national hotline or online chat, individuals can help prevent further exploitation and abuse of vulnerable individuals.
In light of this case, it is essential to raise awareness about the prevalence of sex trafficking and human exploitation in society. By understanding the tactics used by traffickers and perpetrators, individuals can better protect themselves and vulnerable populations from falling victim to such crimes. The involvement of Pollard-Gilliam and Gilliam in the sex trafficking of children underscores the need for stringent laws and regulations to combat human trafficking and exploitation effectively. By working together to report potential trafficking situations and support victims, communities can create a safer environment for all individuals.
