Federal Agents Arrest 9 in L.A. Child Sex-Trafficking Sweep as Indictment Lists 50 Victims
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jul 2
Federal Agents Arrest 9 in L.A. Child Sex-Trafficking Sweep as Indictment Lists 50 Victims
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jul 2
Summary
Nine people were arrested Wednesday in a federal raid on Los Angeles' Figueroa corridor, accused of selling girls as young as 14 for sex.
A newly unsealed indictment identified more than 50 victims, and agents found five more during the sweep, underscoring prosecutors' view that the case is still expanding.
Six defendants were identified as Hoover Criminal Gang members, and prosecutors said the gang controlled much of the corridor's sex trade and many of its motels.
Stadium Inn & Spas' manager was among those arrested; authorities said victims were held and exploited there, and one additional arrest tied to the case had already been made Monday.
The operation hit the 3.5-mile stretch known as "the Blade" nine months after a New York Times investigation drew national attention to trafficking, branding and coercion on the corridor.