Emeryville Pimp Sentenced to 6 Years for Modeling Job Scam

UPDATE: A man from Emeryville has been sentenced to six years in state prison for exploiting a woman under the guise of a modeling opportunity. Christopher Lee Card, aged 40, was sentenced in October 2023, after pleading no contest to charges of pimping, according to court records.

The shocking case began in 2021, when the victim reported to authorities that Card had coerced her into sex work after enticing her with promises of a modeling job. Upon her arrival from out of state, she found herself trapped at a hotel in Union City, forced to engage in sexual acts with strangers for money. The victim revealed the harrowing experience, stating she was made to have sex “as many as I possibly could in one day.”

Court records reveal that Card received about four years of credit for time served while awaiting trial, including good behavior credits. During this period, he faced additional charges for assaulting a 71-year-old caretaker of his grandmother, which were later dropped after he struck a plea deal in this case.

In a surprising turn, human trafficking charges against Card were dropped as part of his plea agreement. The prosecution faced delays due to allegations of his mental incompetence for trial in 2023, complicating the judicial process.

Card, who also used the alias Samir Haseen, was arrested in connection with this case in 2021 and has been linked to a series of serious offenses that highlight the urgent issue of human trafficking and exploitation.

This case sheds light on the vulnerabilities faced by individuals seeking opportunities and the predatory tactics often employed by traffickers. As the community grapples with the implications of this sentencing, advocates are urging for stronger measures to protect potential victims from similar fates.

Authorities are now focusing on raising awareness about the realities of human trafficking, emphasizing the need for vigilance and education to prevent such heinous acts in the future.

The case serves as a sobering reminder of the urgent need to address and combat human trafficking on all fronts. As discussions continue around the implications of this sentencing, the community is encouraged to remain informed and proactive in the fight against exploitation.

For those impacted or interested in learning more about available resources, local advocacy groups offer support and information on how to recognize and report suspicious activities.