A Santa Clarita man facing human trafficking charges pleaded no contest during his hearing Wednesday.

Michael Shaw, 38, of Santa Clarita, pleaded no contest to one felony count each of human trafficking to commit another crime; assault with a deadly weapon, a hanger; and assault likely to produce great bodily injury, according to Ricardo Santiago, a spokesman for the District Attorney’s office.

Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station deputies learned Shaw was allegedly trafficking an adult victim for sex and had violently assaulted her when she attempted to flee. Shaw fled the location prior to the deputies’ arrival.

Los Angeles Regional Human Trafficking Task Force (LARHTTF) detectives learned Eric Hamwey, 32, of Encino, had reportedly previously befriended the victim on Instagram and flown her out to California from Texas for the purpose of commercial adult sex work.

After a short time, Hamwey allegedly “sold” the victim to Shaw, according to the D.A.’s office.

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After being trafficked by Shaw for several weeks, the victim attempted to flee and was allegedly assaulted by Shaw and another suspect, who also reportedly robbed the victim. The victim sustained serious injuries during the assault.

On May 5, 2016, at 7 a.m., personnel from the LARHTTF and the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station executed search warrants at two locations in Santa Clarita. The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, Bureau of Investigation served search warrants at locations in North Hollywood and Encino.

The Los Angeles Police Department’s Detective Support and Vice Division executed a search warrant at a second location in Encino.

During the service of the warrants, a second victim of human sex trafficking, a female adult, was discovered and all three suspects were arrested. Over 100 items of evidence were recovered, including three handguns, cash, computers and numerous cellular telephones.

The suspects were transported to and booked at the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station.

The operation included task force partners from Homeland Security Investigations, the District Attorney’s Office, LAPD, State Parole and the Department of Children and Family Services.

The Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking provided wrap-around services and care to both victims.

Shaw is scheduled to appear in court on Aug. 21 for sentencing.

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