Law enforcement officials have accused members of the Hoover Criminals gang of operating a brutal sex trafficking ring in Los Angeles, utilizing horrific acts of cruelty to control victims and maintain a prostitution business along the Figueroa Corridor. The gang is accused of branding women, recruiting girls from foster homes, forcing abortions, and physically assaulting prostitutes.
Operation Broken Blade, a recent takedown, resulted in the arrest of at least ten individuals identified as prostitution kingpins operating in the area, known locally as "the Blade." Los Angeles District Attorney Bill Essayli stated that the operation revealed the methods used to conduct sex trafficking, which primarily involve coercion and violence.
The Hoover Criminals, a prominent street gang in Los Angeles formed in the late 1960s and early 1970s, reportedly expanded their criminal enterprises to include narcotics and prostitution. The gang is known for its "everybody killer" (EBK) mentality, engaging in conflicts with both the Bloods and Crips.
According to authorities, the gang controls women and young girls who are forced into commercial sex work. LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell explained that the gang specifically targets vulnerable individuals, often those with no other support systems, and recruits them with false promises of money, affection, and shelter before trapping them through violence, intimidation, addiction, and fear. Many victims are said to come from broken homes or foster care. Court documents indicate that some accused pimps trafficked girls as young as 14.
Prosecutors detailed instances of severe abuse. One alleged pimp, Cameron Lockett, is accused of biting a victim's cheek to the point of requiring stitches, then sending a picture of the wound to another gang member. Another accused member, Amaya Armstead, known as "Lady Duck," allegedly had her nickname tattooed on the backsides of several victims, a tactic authorities described as branding them as property. Homeland Security Special Agent in Charge Eddy Wang stated this branding was a method of coercion.
Further allegations include one pimp, Caleed Mouton, compelling a victim to have an abortion and then forcing her to resume sex work the same day, threatening to fire her if she refused. Essayli confirmed that 25 alleged sex traffickers have been arrested and charged as part of Operation Broken Blade, with more arrests anticipated. The investigation has identified over 50 victims, and authorities have vowed to continue their efforts.