AG Fitch Announces Felony Human Trafficking Sentencing of James West

JACKSON, Miss. – Attorney General Lynn Fitch announced the recent sentencing of James West, Jr. of Jackson, Mississippi. Authorities arrested West in November 2021 following a human trafficking operation in Pearl.

West, 42, pleaded guilty to Promoting Prostitution, Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, and Possession of a Stolen Firearm. West, a convicted felon, had previous convictions for Motor Vehicle Theft, Burglary of a Dwelling, Felony Child Endangerment, and other felony charges.

“I want to thank the investigators and prosecutors of our Special Victims Unit (SVU) for the hard work that helped put this felon behind bars,” said Attorney General Lynn Fitch. “Their diligence is vital to ensuring that criminals are brought to justice and victims are set on the road to recovery. My office will continue to work tirelessly to protect our communities from criminals who seek to exploit others.”

Earlier this year, on May 21, 2024, Judge Dewey Arthur sentenced West to 8 years. West will serve 5 years for the promoting prostitution charge. He received an additional 5 years for being a felon in possession of a firearm. He also got 2 years of post-release supervision for having a stolen firearm.

Authorities arrested West as part of a ten-day blitz of human trafficking operations across the state. The blitz resulted in 13 arrests and the recovery of 49 victims.