LOS ANGELES – The stench of desperation and exploitation hangs heavy over the Figueroa Corridor today, as federal authorities unsealed a 31-count indictment exposing a brutal sex trafficking operation run by the Hoover Criminal Gang. Eleven individuals are now facing federal charges, accused of turning vulnerable young women and children – including runaways and foster youth – into commodities for profit. This isn’t just about prostitution; it’s about systemic abuse, coercion, and the callous disregard for human life.
The takedown, hailed as the first major strike against sex trafficking on the notorious Figueroa Corridor, centers around **Amaya Armstead**, 25, a.k.a. “Lady Duck,” of South Los Angeles. Authorities identify her as the de facto leader of the 112 set of the Hoover Gang and the alleged mastermind behind the operation, even accusing her of trafficking a 14-year-old girl. Alongside Armstead, the following individuals are named in the indictment: **Kenyondre Young**, 22, a.k.a. “Yunkg Poke,” of South Los Angeles; **Naziz Harris**, 19, a.k.a. “N4,” of South Los Angeles; **Avery Amoako**, 27, a.k.a. “Handz,” of Long Beach; **Jared Evans**, 29, a.k.a. “Jmoney,” of the Mid-City area of Los Angeles; **Mathew Brooks**, 22, a.k.a. “Vermont Star,” of Riverside; **Derail Robinson**, 22, a.k.a. “Popkorn,” of South Los Angeles; **Jalon Phillips**, 22, a.k.a. “Chop Em,” of South Los Angeles; **Bryan Isrel**, 31, a.k.a. “4Loc,” of South Los Angeles; **Tejohn Gray**, 25, a.k.a. “Tiny3,” of South Los Angeles; and **Tommy Crockham**, 30, a.k.a. “Tommy Gunz,” of South Los Angeles.
The indictment alleges a racketeering conspiracy, with the defendants charged with a litany of horrific crimes beyond just sex trafficking. These include sex trafficking of minors, sex trafficking through force, fraud, or coercion; transportation of a minor for sex trafficking; sexual exploitation of a child. But the greed didn’t stop there. The gang is also accused of drug trafficking conspiracy, money laundering to promote their illicit activities, and even conspiracy to straw purchase firearms – arming themselves while profiting from human misery. Victims were reportedly recruited through social media and, chillingly, branded with tattoos, marking them as property of the gang.
Five of the defendants – **Amoako**, **Evans**, **Brooks**, **Phillips**, and **Crockham** – were arrested this morning and are expected to be arraigned in federal court downtown. **Armstead** was transferred from state custody to face the federal charges. Authorities are currently searching for **Isrel**. Acting United States Attorney Bill Essayli didn’t mince words, stating the federal government was stepping in because state law offered “no meaningful consequences” for these crimes. He vowed to ensure these criminals face “lengthy prison sentences” and to reclaim the Figueroa Corridor for its residents, who have suffered in silence for too long.
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Special Agent in Charge Eddy Wang emphasized the depravity of human trafficking, declaring, “No human should be for sale.” The investigation, a collaborative effort between multiple agencies, highlights the increasing use of online platforms to facilitate these crimes and launder the profits. IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Tyler Hatcher underscored the agency’s expertise in tracing illegal funds, revealing how the gang used apps to move money and expand their criminal enterprise. “Special Agents at IRS-CI are experts in tracing illegal funds and linking criminals to their illegal acts,” Hatcher stated.
This bust, while significant, is likely just the tip of the iceberg. The Figueroa Corridor has long been a haven for exploitation, and the Hoover Gang’s operation was clearly sophisticated and deeply entrenched. The victims, stripped of their dignity and subjected to unimaginable trauma, deserve justice. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case, exposing the dark underbelly of Los Angeles and holding those responsible accountable for their heinous crimes. The exploitation of vulnerable women and children will not be tolerated.”
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Key Facts
- State: California
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Sex Crimes|Cybercrime|Public Corruption|Weapons|Human Trafficking|White Collar Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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