Battle Rapper Serius Jones faces human trafficking, pimping charges in California..

A rapper who gained nationwide fame for his ability to think up rhymes on the spot has been in Contra Costa County jail for months facing human trafficking and pimping charges, this newspaper has learned.A rapper who gained nationwide fame for his ability to think up rhymes on the spot has been in Contra Costa County jail for months facing human trafficking and pimping charges, this newspaper has learned. Saleem Bligen, 39, who uses the stage name “Serius Jones,” was charged in January with human trafficking, pimping, assault, robbery, and other felonies as part of an eight-count criminal complaint. Bligen was arrested by Walnut Creek police on Feb. 6, according to public records. The charging records list one alleged victim, a woman known in court records only by the pseudonym “Jane Doe” to protect her identity. Prosecutors allege that between July 31 and October 15 of last year, Bligen, “did willfully and unlawfully deprive and/or violate the personal liberty” of Doe by forcing her into prostitution. It is also alleged that on Oct. 15, Bligen assaulted the woman “by means likely to produce great bodily injury,” and that he stole a 2007 Lexus from her. That same day, Bligen allegedly threatened the woman and attempted to dissuade her from cooperating with police, according to court records. After his arrest, a GoFundMe page was started to support Bligen’s legal fees. The page said he was arrested for “a false accusation of a stolen vehicle” but makes no mention of the other charges. It raised $110.