Kern County man faces six years in prison for complacency

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — A Kern County man faces up to six years in state prison after being convicted of pandering.

The Kern County Prosecutor's Office said that on June 6, 2024, a Kern County jury found Kenyon Streams guilty of pimping, a crime linked to the growing presence of human trafficking in Kern County.

The prosecutor's office said in April 2023 that Streams provided safety and protection to a victim while she worked as a sex worker in the Union Avenue area of ​​Bakersfield.

Undercover detectives from the Bakersfield Police Department's VICE unit observed Streams providing protection to the victim for over an hour and a half while she actively engaged in prostitution and attempted to solicit customers. Undercover detectives in the area saw the woman get into Streams' car and drive to another location.

According to the prosecutor's office, Streams and the victim were questioned by the officers and Streams was subsequently questioned. During the interview, he lied about what he was doing in the area and eventually admitted, several times, to helping her by providing protection and security, according to the prosecutor's office.

During a search of his vehicle, a replica firearm was found near the center console. As a result, Streams was shut down.

District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer said, “Human trafficking has become an epidemic both statewide and globally. In order to combat this scourge, it is crucial that we look at the problem from all angles, including prosecuting those who encourage illegal sexual acts for their own benefit.”

Streams' sentencing is set for July 9, 2024, where he faces up to six years in state prison.