JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – A Jackson man was sentenced in connection to a human trafficking operation in Pearl.

Attorney General Lynn Fitch said James West, Jr., pled guilty to promoting prostitution, possession of a firearm by a felon, and possession of a stolen firearm. He was arrested in November 2021.

According to Fitch, West was a convicted felon, having previously been convicted of 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 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.”

On May 21, 2024, Rankin County Circuit Court Judge Dewey Arthur sentenced West to eight years with five to serve for the promoting prostitution charge; five years for being a felon in possession of a firearm; and two years of post-release supervision for having a stolen firearm.