BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — He told her when to work and the websites on which to advertise her services. He gave her the name of someone from whom she could “learn the game.”
Over multiple calls from jail, Shante Dowdell coached the 16-year-old on how to make more money prostituting herself — and put the proceeds on his books.
On Tuesday, Dowdell, 24, was sentenced to 24 years in prison after being found guilty of human trafficking and prostituting a minor. He was ordered to register as a sex offender.
Dowdell, who has prior felony convictions, was found guilty last month.
RELATED: Man faces 24 years for human trafficking of girl, 16
Judge John R. Brownlee, before imposing the maximum term, said “the psychological manipulation of this child victim was astonishing.”
Prosecutors say Dowdell was in custody on a robbery charge when he formulated the plan to get more money on his books by prostituting the girl. The teen followed his instructions and put up $2,000 for him over a four-month period.