Pittsburg: Man convicted of human trafficking, kidnapping
An East Bay man was convicted of several felonies — including conspiring with two rival pimps — in what authorities have described as the worst sex trafficking case in Contra Costa’s history.
Derrick Harper, 39, was convicted Thursday of kidnapping for extortion, aiding and abetting rapes, conspiracy to commit human trafficking, and other related offenses. He was charged in 2013, along with two East Contra Costa men, Roy Gordon, 45, and Eric “E-Rock” Beman, 49.
Today, predators can reach vulnerable children through phones, social media, gaming platforms, and the internet, often before families realize something is wrong. Finding Kids responds through three core programs: Recover. Care. Target. We help locate missing and exploited children, support families during and after recovery, and work with law enforcement to identify and disrupt those who exploit youth. Our work continues after a child is found because recovery is only the beginning. By combining investigations, aftercare, and prevention, we help children return safely to their homes, schools, and communities while building a future where every vulnerable child receives help before crisis becomes exploitation. We are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and 100% of your tax-deductible donation goes directly towards keeping kids safe. We cannot do this work without your support.
*Names has been changed to protect the victim’s identity.