Eleven Charged in Federal Case for Running Vast Sex Trafficking Ring Exploiting Minors in South Los Angeles

A Large-Scale Operation Dismantled in the Heart of Figueroa Corridor

Authorities have charged eleven individuals in a sweeping federal indictment alleging a violent and organized sex trafficking ring operating in South Los Angeles’ Figueroa Corridor. The accused, linked to the Hoover Criminal Gang, are alleged to have trafficked minors and young women — including runaways and children from the foster care system — through force, fraud, and coercion.

From February 2021 to August 2025, the group allegedly maintained control over prostitution and sex trafficking in the corridor, an area long associated with commercial sex activity. According to court filings, victims were lured through social media and in-person encounters, then manipulated, abused, and even branded with tattoos bearing their traffickers’ nicknames.

Allegations of Violence, Exploitation, and Branding

The indictment claims the accused acted as pimps, managing and monitoring victims, pooling resources to rent motel rooms for sex work, and coordinating transportation. Victims were allegedly required to surrender all earnings from commercial sex dates, with disobedience resulting in physical assaults, humiliation, deprivation of necessities, or threats of violence.

The operation’s methods reportedly included online sex advertisements, drug use to control victims, and intimidation tactics. Authorities say some members even recorded assaults and shared them online to enforce compliance.

Targeting Vulnerable Victims

Investigators allege the group specifically targeted young women and minors in precarious situations — those experiencing financial hardship, emotional struggles, or homelessness. In one instance, two suspects allegedly attempted to abduct two women in San Bernardino but were unsuccessful when the women escaped.

In another example, a 14-year-old girl was trafficked for several consecutive days, provided condoms, and forced into multiple commercial sex encounters at a South Los Angeles motel.

Multiple Charges and Potential Life Sentences

The charges span conspiracy to violate racketeering laws, sex trafficking of minors, transportation for sex trafficking, sexual exploitation of a child, drug trafficking conspiracy, money laundering, and illegal firearms activities.

If convicted, several defendants face mandatory minimum sentences of 15 years in federal prison, with maximum penalties reaching life imprisonment.

A Coordinated Crackdown

This investigation represents the first major takedown of a sex trafficking network along the Figueroa Corridor. Federal and local law enforcement agencies worked together to apprehend the suspects, many of whom were arrested in coordinated raids. Authorities emphasize that the case remains ongoing, and some suspects are still being sought.