State District Judge Trudy White likened the actions of a 46-year-old Baton Rouge man convicted of human trafficking to those that participated in the African slave trade before sentencing him Monday to 40 years in prison.

"They were tied to you not by physical chains but emotional chains," White said to Carlos Lampley. "You were the master. … Human trafficking is illegal today, but it's a form of modern day slavery, none the less."

Lampley was found guilty in May on one count each of trafficking a child for sexual purposes, human trafficking and attempted human trafficking.

White sentenced Lampley to 15 years for his conviction of trafficking a child for sexual purposes that involved a 17-year-old, 20 years for his conviction of human trafficking involving a 20-year-old and five years for his conviction of attempted human trafficking involving a 15-year-old girl. White ruled the sentences are to run consecutively for a total of 40 years, to be served without the benefit of probation, parole or suspended sentence.

BR man convicted of human trafficking, other charges Friday A 46-year-old Baton Rouge man described as a monster by a prosecutor was convicted Friday of trafficking a 17-year-old girl and a 20-year-old …

"There are a lot of vulnerable ladies and you found some of them (and) you preyed on them," White said. "The pain you inflicted on your victims was horrific… It just wasn't human."

White painted Lampley as a pimp who ran a "slick operation," making calculated decisions to entice the girls and women to his company, break their will and then use them as prostitutes for his own financial gain.

Two of his victims spoke at the sentencing hearing, sharing the fear they faced while with Lampley, and the emotional and financial troubles they continue to face.

Through tears, the first woman called Lampley "the devil," who would try to gain a profit from anyone, including her. The second woman called her time with him "hell."

"You have not owned up to the damage you've caused," White said, after hearing the women's testimony.

Lampley also spoke at the hearing, saying White's characterization of him was inaccurate. He said his accusers only came forward when they got in trouble themselves.

"They only made statements like that because they were incarcerated, to get charges thrown out," Lampley said.

Lampley plans to appeal the convictions and sentences, said his attorney Harry Daniels III.

"We believe the evidence was insufficient to convict him of the crimes," Daniels said.

East Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore III called human trafficking cases very difficult to investigate and prosecute, as well as provide adequate assistance for victims, whose lives have been forever affected.

"Judge White’s sentence should send a message to those involved in human trafficking that it will not be tolerated and will be dealt with strongly," Moore said.

Lampley's niece Twila Jackson attended the hearing, and she contested almost everything said about her uncle.

"They made him out to be a bad person," Jackson, 37, said. "They threw away an innocent man."

White said Lampley has 42 of his own children, aged 26 to 5, with 36 different women.

"You admit to having never paid child support," White said. "You have failed your children. ... You are the model for irresponsibility."

Jackson however said Lampley doesn't have that many children. She said he has about 15 and he supports them, just not through child support. She said Lampley is "big on family."

But White said the evidence against Lampley was "overwhelming."

"Carlos Lampley, understand me clearly: The ladies are the rightful owners of their bodies," White said. "You have caused great harm."