Man who kidnapped women and forced them into prostitution sentenced to 287 years in prison

Former sex workers alleged they witnessed 'sadistic depravity' first-hand

Senior deputy district attorney heaped praise on the women for speaking out and argued they helped Mr Harper’s 'reign of terror' come to a halt (Getty / Justin Sullivan)

A man who is alleged to have kidnapped women at gunpoint, forced them into prostitution and raped them as a form of punishment was sentenced to 287 years of life in prison.

Derrick Harper, who was convicted of conspiracy, human trafficking, and several other offences, was sent to San Quentin prison last month.

The 39-year-old will not be entitled to parole until he serves 287 years in prison, according to East Bay Times.

He was initially charged back in 2013 for taking part in what prosecutors termed the worst human trafficking case in the history of Pittsburg. His co-defendants have accepted plea deals but have yet to be sentenced.

In August, Mr Harper was seperately convicted of a special circumstances murder and robbery in the killing of Jesse Saucedo who was 35.

Many former sex workers gave evidence against Mr Harper and alleged they witnessed “sadistic depravity” first-hand.

Senior deputy district attorney, Mary Knox, heaped praise on the women for speaking out and argued they helped Mr Harper’s “reign of terror” in Contra Costa come to a halt.

She said: “These women were determined not to continue to be victimized and deserve to be commended for their strength and bravery in coming forward”.

During his prison sentence, Mr Harper has spent time inside a D Module which is set aside for violent or dangerous inmates. According to Ms Knox, he has started riots, referred to her using an expletive in phone calls and threatened to harm prison guards.