San Francisco, CA – Today, San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced that Jaquain Burton (30), has been charged in connection with human trafficking offenses. Mr. Burton was arraigned on January 13, 2026, and pleaded not guilty to all charges and denied the allegations. Mr. Burton is charged with two counts of human trafficking of a minor, and one count of pandering by encouraging a minor. The criminal complaint also alleges that Mr. Burton has prior convictions felony convictions in 2018 and 2016.
According to court documents, Mr. Burton allegedly attempted to contact a minor for the purpose of recruiting her to engage in sex work for him and on January 8, 2026, arranged to pick up the minor, instructing her to keep their plans secret.
Prosecutors moved to have Mr. Burton detained pending trial without bail because of the public safety risk he poses. The court set no bail. Mr. Burton’s next court date is January 27, 2026, for the preliminary hearing.
Although charges have been filed, this remains an active investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call the San Francisco Police Department Tip Line at 1-415-575-4444 or Text a Tip to TIP411 and begin the text message with SFPD. You may remain anonymous.
This case was investigated and is being prosecuted by members of the newly formed San Francisco Human Trafficking Task Force (SF HTTF), a multi-agency collaboration dedicated to combating human trafficking in all its forms. The Task Force brings together local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and victim service providers to investigate and prosecute trafficking crimes, disrupt exploitative networks, and ensure survivors receive comprehensive support.
The SF HTTF will focus on labor trafficking, commercial sex trafficking, and sexual exploitation of children, while pursuing both supply and demand aspects of trafficking. Guided by trauma-informed practices, the Task Force will work to hold traffickers accountable, reduce sex-buying markets, and strengthen prevention efforts through community partnerships.
If you or a loved one needs support, please seek help. In an emergency call 9-1-1.
Below are additional resources for support:
San Francisco District Attorney’s Office Victim Services Division: 628.652.4100
San Francisco Bay Area Human Trafficking Hotline: 415.907.9911, available 24/7
National Human Trafficking Hotline: 888.373.7888
Court Number: 26000443
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