Federal and local law enforcement have scored a major victory in the battle against sex trafficking, arresting six members and associates of the South Los Angeles-based Hoover Criminal Gang. The group faced a 31-count indictment, with charges ranging from racketeering conspiracy to sex trafficking through force, fraud, or coercion.
The operation, which targeted the notorious Figueroa Corridor, marked the first major takedown in the area known for prostitution. Amaya Armstead, 25, a.k.a. ‘Lady Duck,’ was identified as the de facto leader of the 112 set of the Hoover Criminal Gang and is accused of sex trafficking a 14-year-old girl.
Arrested alongside Armstead were Kenyondre Young, 22, a.k.a. ‘Yunkg Poke’; Naziz Harris, 19, a.k.a. ‘N4’; Avery Amoako, 27, a.k.a. ‘Handz’; Jared Evans, 29, a.k.a. ‘Jmoney’; Mathew Brooks, 22, a.k.a. ‘Vermont Star’; Derail Robinson, 22, a.k.a. ‘Popkorn’; Jalon Phillips, 22, a.k.a. ‘Chop Em’; Bryan Isrel, 31, a.k.a. ‘4Loc’; Tejohn Gray, 25, a.k.a. ‘Tiny3’; and Tommy Crockham, 30, a.k.a. ‘Tommy Gunz’.
The defendants face a litany of charges, including sex trafficking of minors and adults, transportation of minors for sex trafficking, sexual exploitation of a child, drug trafficking conspiracy, money laundering, and conspiracy to straw purchase firearms.
Acting United States Attorney Bill Essayli emphasized the federal government’s commitment to bringing justice to victims and returning the Figueroa Corridor to its residents. ‘There are no meaningful consequences for their conduct under state law,’ he said. ‘Today’s operation is the first step in returning the Figueroa Corridor back to its residents who have suffered for too long.’
Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Eddy Wang highlighted the organization’s dedication to identifying and rescuing victims of trafficking. ‘No human should be for sale,’ he stated.
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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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