San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas announced that 38-year-old Benjamin Lawless of Indiana pled guilty to human trafficking of a minor and was sentenced to eight years in state prison. Lawless pled guilty to a violation of Penal Code 236.1(c)(1), human trafficking of a minor with the intent to distribute obscene matter, carrying a lifetime mandate to register as a sex offender. Following his term in California state prison, he will be extradited back to Indiana to face separate criminal charges.

The conviction stems from an investigation initiated in September 2025, after Lawless targeted a minor victim in Tracy through a communications application. Exploiting the victim's vulnerability, Lawless coordinated a plan for the minor to run away from home to join him in Chicago, purchasing a bus ticket from Sacramento to Chicago and instructing the victim to cut off contact with family. Investigative efforts uncovered illicit communication and detailed instructions intended to evade detection.

Law enforcement intercepted the communication, preventing the plan from being executed. Federal law enforcement partners in Illinois apprehended Lawless, resulting in his subsequent extradition to California for prosecution.

"This case highlights the serious dangers that exist on digital platforms targeting youth," said District Attorney Ron Freitas. "This individual targeted and attempted to traffic a vulnerable minor across state lines for exploitation. Thanks to the swift intervention of our local law enforcement and federal partners, this tragedy was prevented. Safeguarding our children from digital exploitation remains a non-negotiable priority, and my office will continue to ensure that those who prey on youth face the absolute heaviest boundaries of justice."

The San Joaquin County District Attorney's Office extends its immense gratitude to Detective Badr Fayyaz of the Tracy Police Department for the investigative work that led to the protection of the victim.

The office also commends Deputy District Attorney Mahjoubeh Foolad for the successful prosecution of this matter.