‘I’m gonna be making u a band a day’: Concord man charged with trafficking woman known as ‘Bubbles’

The two discussed pulling in $1,000 per day, but also lamented "being broke" and how the woman's "habit" couldn't get in the way of their dreams for riches.

admin September 24, 2026 2 minutes read

CONCORD — A local resident has been charged with human trafficking, pimping, selling drugs, and carrying a gun, all while on probation for pimping the same woman in Orange County, court records show.

Ernest Rivera, 33, a resident of Hercules and Concord, was charged last month and is being held in a Contra Costa jail while the case is pending. Prosecutors allege that he trafficked a woman who advertised on sex sites under the aliases “Bubbles” and “Ivy Banks,” and that the two discussed their alleged crimes extensively.

“I’m gonna be making u a band a day,” the woman allegedly assured Rivera in August 2025, referring to a bundle of bills totaling $1,000. But then she added, “I told you I’m done being broke.”

The woman also discussed having a “habit” but told Rivera it wouldn’t interfere with their plans for big bucks, according to police. In another 2025 text, Rivera allegedly told her “just shut your f—ing mouth and bring back what I need to pay my bills.” Last April, the two discussed her charging $600 per hour and how an unnamed man was sending her money momentarily, according to court records.

Police raided Rivera’s Concord apartment last month, seizing $360 in cash, a loaded pistol, and about 47 grams of methamphetamine, according to police. Rivera’s prior pimping conviction disallows him from possessing a gun, the criminal complaint says. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges and hasn’t yet appeared in court for a preliminary hearing, where a judge will review evidence and decide if there is enough to uphold the charges.

Authorities say they also found incriminating photos on Rivera’s phone, including one of him posing with a gun and holding a bag full of cash. He allegedly told his probation officer that he was working legitimate jobs that could explain the cash, including washing cars and helping people with their credit, according to court records.