Federal and local law enforcement officials arrested six members and associates of the Hoover Criminal Gang in South Los Angeles, following a 31-count indictment alleging racketeering conspiracy that includes sex trafficking of minors and adults. The operation targeted the Figueroa Corridor, an area known for prostitution.
The indictment charges Amaya Armstead, also known as “Lady Duck,” as the lead defendant and alleged leader of the 112 set of the Hoover Criminal Gang. Other defendants include Kenyondre Young (“Yunkg Poke”), Naziz Harris (“N4”), Avery Amoako (“Handz”), Jared Evans (“Jmoney”), Mathew Brooks (“Vermont Star”), Derail Robinson (“Popkorn”), Jalon Phillips (“Chop Em”), Bryan Isrel (“4Loc”), Tejohn Gray (“Tiny3”), and Tommy Crockham (“Tommy Gunz”). They face charges such as sex trafficking of minors, transportation of a minor for sex trafficking, sexual exploitation of a child, drug trafficking conspiracy, money laundering to promote unlawful activity, and conspiracy to straw purchase firearms.
Five defendants were arrested this morning and are expected to appear in federal court in downtown Los Angeles. Armstead was transferred from state custody to federal custody. Law enforcement is seeking Isrel.
“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,” said Acting United States Attorney Bill Essayli. “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.”
“Human trafficking is among the most heinous crimes perpetuated throughout the world,” said Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Los Angeles Special Agent in Charge Eddy Wang. “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.”
“These violent gang members profited from horrific crimes and used online apps to move their money and further their criminal enterprise,” said Special Agent in Charge Tyler Hatcher of the IRS Criminal Investigation Los Angeles Field Office. “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.”
“The exploitation of vulnerable women and children through sex trafficking is one of the most heinous crimes our society faces,” said Los Angeles Police Chief Jim McDonnell. “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, between February 2021 and August 2025, members managed prostitution activities along Figueroa Corridor by recruiting vulnerable minors—often runaways or foster youth—through social media or direct contact. Victims were controlled using force or threats; those who resisted faced physical assaults or deprivation such as withholding food or drugs.
Gang members worked together by managing each other’s victims, renting motel rooms for commercial sex work transactions, creating online advertisements using third parties’ help, sharing resources via mobile payment platforms like Cash App or Apple Pay, disciplining noncompliant victims collectively, transporting them between locations where they solicited clients on behalf of pimps within their group.
Some incidents detailed include attempts at kidnapping women from areas known for prostitution outside South L.A., such as San Bernardino; branding victims with tattoos bearing defendants’ monikers; providing drugs including oxycodone or amphetamines; luring new recruits with false promises about lifestyle improvements; intimidating compliance through violence or public humiliation; producing rap music videos that glorified gang activity; posting videos on social media showing assaults intended both as intimidation tactics against current victims—and recruitment tools targeting others.
If convicted on all counts some defendants face mandatory minimum sentences starting at 15 years up through life imprisonment.
The investigation involves Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), IRS Criminal Investigation (IRS-CI), Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), U.S. Attorney’s Office for Central District California—with assistance from agencies including Nebraska State Patrol; Keith County Attorney’s Office; Nebraska Department Of Justice Office Of The Attorney General; California Highway Patrol; LA County Department Of Children And Family Services; National Center For Missing And Exploited Children; Saving Innocence.
Assistant United States Attorneys Chelsea Norell (Violent & Organized Crime Section) & Mirelle Raza (General Crimes Section) are prosecuting.
