Steven Terrell Lewis, a 39-year-old resident of El Cajon, has been found guilty by a federal jury on charges related to attempted coercion and enticement of a minor and attempted sex trafficking by force or coercion. The verdict was reached on May 6 following an investigation involving multiple agencies including U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force, and several local law enforcement departments.
ICE Homeland Security Investigations San Diego Special Agent in Charge Shawn Gibson commented on the outcome: “This guilty verdict sends the powerful message that those who exploit children will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.” He highlighted the cooperation among various law enforcement agencies as crucial to achieving justice for victims.
The trial presented evidence from an incident on April 22, 2024, where Lewis allegedly approached a 14-year-old high school student in El Cajon. He reportedly used his vehicle to block her path and took her cellphone to obtain her number. Following this encounter, he sent explicit messages from two different phone numbers. The victim reported these incidents to a school coach, who then informed local authorities.
A week later, Lewis targeted a 22-year-old woman through an online platform called MegaPersonals. He arranged for transportation to take her to National City for prostitution activities benefiting him financially. An undercover officer intervened by offering assistance to the adult victim while posing as a commercial sex buyer.
On May 16, 2024, officers arrested Lewis after conducting surveillance and searching his property. Authorities believe there may be additional victims based on evidence found during their investigation.
U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon emphasized the significance of the verdicts: “The jury’s guilty verdicts are a powerful reminder that human trafficking has no place in our society.” California Attorney General Rob Bonta also addressed the broader issue of human trafficking within California and across the United States.
San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl reiterated his department's commitment as part of the Human Trafficking Task Force: “This case highlights the importance of collaboration and the need to share information in order to bring suspects like this into custody.”
Lewis is set for sentencing on August 1. The prosecution team includes Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lyndzie M. Carter and Derek Ko.
