Federal and local law enforcement officials have arrested six members and associates of the Hoover Criminal Gang in South Los Angeles, following a 31-count indictment that accuses them of racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking of minors and adults. The charges include sex trafficking through force, fraud, or coercion, with victims reportedly including runaways and children from the foster care system. The alleged crimes took place along the Figueroa Corridor, an area known for prostitution.
This operation marks the first significant federal crackdown on a sex trafficking ring operating in this part of Los Angeles. Eleven individuals are named in the indictment, including Amaya Armstead, identified as the lead defendant and leader of the 112 set of the Hoover Criminal Gang. Other defendants are Kenyondre Young, Naziz Harris, Avery Amoako, Jared Evans, Mathew Brooks, Derail Robinson, Jalon Phillips, Bryan Isrel, Tejohn Gray, and Tommy Crockham.
The indictment alleges that between February 2021 and August 2025, members of the gang controlled prostitution activities in the Figueroa Corridor by recruiting vulnerable girls and young women—often through social media—and branding them with tattoos. The group is also accused of using drugs to manipulate victims and promising a luxurious lifestyle while employing intimidation or violence.
Additional charges against some defendants include transportation of a minor for sex trafficking; sexual exploitation of a child; drug trafficking conspiracy; money laundering; and conspiracy to straw purchase firearms. Five suspects were taken into custody this morning. One defendant was transferred from state to federal custody for arraignment. Authorities continue to search for one individual.
Acting United States Attorney Bill Essayli stated: “The U.S. Department of Justice, under the leadership of Attorney General Pamela Bondi, is making Los Angeles safer by arresting prolific gang members who are viciously trafficking young woman and children for sex. There are no meaningful consequences for their conduct under state law, so the federal government – aided by its local law enforcement partners – will step in to make sure these criminals face lengthy prison sentences. Today’s operation is the first step in returning the Figueroa Corridor – long known as prostitution haven – back to its residents who have suffered for too long while criminals were allowed to run amok.”
Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Los Angeles Special Agent in Charge Eddy Wang said: “Human trafficking is among the most heinous crimes perpetuated throughout the world. No human should be for sale – not here in Los Angeles or anywhere in our society. Today’s operation is a result of our commitment to identify and rescue victims of trafficking and to hold accountable these criminal organizations exploiting them.”
Special Agent in Charge Tyler Hatcher from IRS Criminal Investigation added: “These violent gang members profited from horrific crimes and used online apps to move their money and further their criminal enterprise. Special Agents at IRS-CI are experts in tracing illegal funds and linking criminals to their illegal acts. IRS-CI is committed to protecting victims and prosecuting criminal offenders involved in money laundering, sex trafficking, and other violent crime.”
Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell commented: “The exploitation of vulnerable women and children through sex trafficking is one of the most heinous crimes our society faces. The victims in this case – many of them minors, runaways, or from the foster care system – were preyed upon by individuals who sought to profit from their pain. The Los Angeles Police Department remains steadfast in its commitment to working with our federal partners to dismantle these criminal networks, bring their perpetrators to justice, and ensure survivors receive the protection and support they deserve.”
According to court documents cited by authorities, gang members acted as pimps by managing commercial sex work operations—including renting motel rooms together for illicit activities—and coordinated recruitment efforts targeting at-risk youth facing financial or emotional hardship.
Victims allegedly had all proceeds confiscated by traffickers under threat or use of violence if they disobeyed orders or attempted escape. In some cases described by prosecutors—for example April 2022—defendants attempted abductions but failed when intended victims managed to flee.
In another incident detailed from April 2024 at a South Los Angeles motel called Stadium Inn—a location previously linked with similar activities—Armstead allegedly provided condoms for commercial encounters involving a 14-year-old girl over several days.
Some accused individuals produced rap music videos that glorified gang life alongside drug sales and firearms possession while sharing images online intended both as intimidation tactics toward victims as well as self-promotion within criminal circles.
If convicted on all counts related specifically to child sex trafficking offenses under federal statutes [https://www.justice.gov/criminal-ceos/child-sex-trafficking], certain defendants could face mandatory minimum sentences starting at 15 years up to life imprisonment.
The investigation involves Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), United States Attorney’s Office for Central District California—with additional support from agencies such as Nebraska State Patrol; Keith County Attorney’s Office; Nebraska Department of Justice Office; California Highway Patrol; LA Department Children & Family Services; National Center Missing & Exploited Children [https://www.missingkids.org]; Saving Innocence [https://savinginnocence.org].
Assistant United States Attorneys Chelsea Norell (Violent & Organized Crime Section) and Mirelle Raza (General Crimes Section) are prosecuting this case.
All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.
