Stockton Man Found Guilty of Sex Trafficking Minors from Local Foster Youth Residential Facility

San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas announced today that David Hall has been found guilty of the sex trafficking and abuse of multiple minors, ranging in age from 12 to 17, who were residing at a local Stockton foster youth residential facility.

The honorable Judge John Soldati found the defendant Hall guilty following a court trial of several felonies, including the human trafficking of three minors (ages 12, 13, and 17), lewd acts on a child under 14, and oral copulation with a minor. The evidence showed that during the summer of 2023, Hall targeted vulnerable children, frequently picking them up from the local foster facility to exploit them for commercial sex work in Stockton and surrounding areas.

"There is no greater priority for this office than the safety and dignity of our children," said District Attorney Ron Freitas. "Defendant Hall didn't just break the law; he systematically and intentionally pursued vulnerable children who were already in need of our protection. This verdict is a testament to the bravery of the young survivors who stood up to their abuser in court. We will continue to vigorously prosecute those who think they can profit from the exploitation of our youth and ensure they are removed from our streets for good."

The investigation was led by the Stockton Police Department Vice Unit, with critical support from the San Joaquin County Juvenile Probation Department. District Attorney Investigators also facilitated the complex logistics of transporting victims from across California to provide their essential testimony.

District Attorney Freitas praised Deputy District Attorney Lisa Mann for her meticulous work and her dedication to ensuring these young victims had their voices heard in court.

Because of his prior 2016 strike for assault with a firearm, Hall now faces an increased prison sentence in addition to multiple new strikes and lifetime sex offender registration.

Sentencing is scheduled for April 9, 2026.