News Summary

Leslie Anthony Bailey, 33, has pleaded guilty to sex trafficking by force and coercion, revealing a disturbing case of manipulation and violence in Wilmington. The victim was forced into prostitution and faced threats and abuse from Bailey, who connected with her through social media. The case exemplifies the challenges of addressing sex trafficking and the predatory practices exploiting vulnerable individuals. Bailey is set for sentencing on July 18 and faces a minimum of 15 years in federal prison.

Orange County Shocker: Guilty Plea in Disturbing Sex Trafficking Case

In the heart of Wilmington, a shocking tale of manipulation and abuse has come to light after Leslie Anthony Bailey, 33, pleaded guilty to a harrowing charge of sex trafficking by force and coercion. This unsettling development was made public by federal prosecutors from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California in a recent news release dated April 25.

The Start of a Tragic Situation

Bailey first connected with his victim in February 2022 through social media, a seemingly innocent encounter that took a dark turn. The woman he contacted was struggling with a painful battle against a fentanyl addiction. She opened up to Bailey about her withdrawal symptoms, likely hoping to find someone who could understand her plight.

A Dangerous Proposal

In a chilling twist, Bailey offered the woman fentanyl in exchange for performing sex acts for money. With her vulnerability at play, the woman was lured to Bailey’s home in Long Beach. Little did she know, this was the beginning of a horrific ordeal.

A Step into Darkness

Once at Bailey’s residence, he took her to an area in Anaheim known for prostitution, where he forced her to engage in sex acts with various clients. Under this appalling circumstance, the woman had to surrender all her earnings to Bailey, who then taunted her further by supplying her with more fentanyl.

Threats and Control

As if that wasn’t enough, Bailey intensified his grip on her life through threats. On multiple occasions, he warned her against trying to escape, claiming he would beat her if she even dared to think about leaving. It was a nightmarish reality that had taken hold of her existence.

The Forest Incident

On February 8, 2022, there seemed to be a glimmer of hope. Bailey agreed to take the woman back to her treatment facility. However, he had other plans and drove her to a remote area in the Angeles National Forest. What transpired next was both horrific and chilling.

In the depths of the forest, Bailey inflicted physical violence upon the woman, allegedly punching and kicking her in a shocking display of power. Following the assault, he raped her before callously abandoning her in the wilderness and driving away, leaving a trail of trauma in his wake.

A Pattern of Abuse

But Bailey’s criminal activities did not end there. In March 2023, he was reported to have used social media once again, this time to recruit another woman into his prostitution scheme. This second victim became another pawn in his degrading game, as he allegedly coerced her into prostitution across Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego counties. This indicates a disturbing pattern of behavior, showcasing Bailey as someone who preyed on vulnerable individuals.

Facing Justice

For his heinous actions, Bailey is scheduled for sentencing on July 18. He faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in federal prison, with a statutory maximum that could lead to life imprisonment. The community watches with bated breath, awaiting justice for the victims of this deeply unsettling case.

The heart-wrenching situation emphasizes the urgent need for increased awareness about sex trafficking and the predatory practices that can stem from social media and other platforms. As we look to the future, let’s remain vigilant, supportive, and informed, so we can protect those who are vulnerable and work towards a society where these tragedies become a thing of the past.

Guilty Plea in Wilmington Sex Trafficking Case