Emeryville Man Sentenced to 6 Years for Pimping Scheme

UPDATE: In a shocking case of exploitation, Christopher Lee Card, a 40-year-old man from Emeryville, has been sentenced to six years in state prison for pimping a woman under the guise of offering her a modeling job. The court handed down the sentence after Card pleaded no contest to the charges, with formal sentencing occurring in October 2023.

Card’s arrest dates back to 2021 when authorities responded to a distress call from the victim, who reported being held against her will at a hotel in Union City. She revealed that after flying in from out of state for what she believed to be a modeling opportunity, Card forced her into sexual acts with strangers, stating she was made to perform “as many as I possibly could in one day.”

Despite serious human trafficking allegations, these charges were dropped as part of a plea deal. This shocking manipulation highlights the ongoing issue of trafficking and the vulnerability of individuals seeking legitimate employment.

While awaiting trial, Card faced additional legal troubles after being arrested for allegedly assaulting his grandmother’s 71-year-old caretaker. Though this charge was ultimately dropped after he entered a plea in the current case, it raises serious concerns about his behavior and mental competency, which stalled the prosecution earlier in 2023.

Court records indicate that Card, who also went by the name Samir Haseen, received approximately four years of credit for time served, including good behavior credits. This case underscores the urgent need for continued awareness and prevention of human trafficking in communities across the nation.

Victims of such crimes often face tremendous emotional and psychological challenges, and this case serves as a reminder of the critical importance of resources and support systems for those affected. As the legal proceedings conclude, community advocates stress the need for vigilance and action against human trafficking.

Moving forward, observers will be keen to see how local authorities enhance protective measures for potential victims and increase public awareness about the dangers of similar schemes. The community must remain aware and proactive in preventing such incidents from occurring in the future.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.