November 10, 2026 – SAN DIEGO, CA – K’John Henry Sands II of Los Angeles was sentenced in federal court on Monday to 168 months in prison for attempting to coerce a 15-year-old minor to engage in prostitution. 

Sands pleaded guilty on August 25, 2026, to one count of Attempted Coercion and Enticement of a Minor. According to his plea agreement, Sands also admitted to video recording the minor performing oral sex on him. 

As a part of his scheme, Sands instructed the minor regarding how much to charge for commercial sex dates, supplied the minor with condoms for the dates, and then collected the proceeds. Sands’ conduct came to the attention of the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force when, on June 2, 2025, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children sent information about an active MegaPersonals ad for what appeared to be a juvenile in the San Diego area. On June 3, 2025, investigators arranged a ruse commercial sex date and recovered the minor. Investigators then learned that the motel room in which the minor was staying had been rented by Sands. 

“Those who prey on vulnerable children should know that law enforcement will pursue justice relentlessly,” said U.S. Attorney Adam Gordon.

“This sentence proves that combating the trafficking and exploitation of children remains an utmost priority at the California Department of Justice,” said California Attorney General Rob Bonta. “Crimes against children will never be tolerated in California, and together, we remain dedicated to holding perpetrators of child exploitation accountable. I am grateful for the hard work of my team in the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force that made securing this prison sentence possible."

“This case reflects the strength of the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force and its partner agencies, whose swift, coordinated, and victim-centered response helped safeguard a vulnerable child and bring the offender to justice,” said Kevin Murphy, Special Agent in Charge of Homeland Security Investigations San Diego. “HSI remains committed to working with our law enforcement and community partners to protect children and support survivors of trafficking.”

In the government’s sentencing memo, prosecutors noted that the defendant was unconcerned with his victim’s age. “Mr. Sands’ intentions were clear: (The victim) was expected to make Mr. Sands money… It apparently did not matter that (she) was just 15 years old.”

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Derek Ko, with prior assistance from Assistant U.S. Attorney Lyndzie M. Carter. 

If you believe you or someone you know has been a victim of human trafficking, investigators ask that you contact the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force at 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733.

DEFENDANT                          Case Number 25cr03258-BJC                                 

K’John Henry Sands II             Age: 26             Los Angeles, CA

SUMMARY OF CHARGES

Attempted Coercion and Enticement of a Minor, 18 U.S.C., Section 2422

Maximum penalty: Life imprisonment with a 10-year mandatory minimum; $250,000 fine

INVESTIGATING AGENCIES

San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force

San Diego Sheriff’s Office

Homeland Security Investigations

The San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force is a cooperative effort involving the California Department of Justice, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, California Highway Patrol, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, National City Police Department, Naval Criminal Investigative Service, San Diego City Attorney’s Office, San Diego County District Attorney’s Office, San Diego County Probation Department, San Diego County Sheriff’s Department, Chula Vista Police Department, San Diego Police Department, Southwest Border High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California.

This case is the result of the ongoing efforts of the Special Victims Unit.  Formed in April 2025, the SVU is tasked with leading collaborations between federal and local law enforcement in the investigation and prosecution of cases involving sex trafficking and child exploitation, civil rights, and labor trafficking. The SVU oversees the Southern District of California liaisons to the San Diego Human Trafficking Task Force and Project Safe Childhood.

Source: DOJ Release