Home / News / Operation Broken Blade: Feds Dismantle Hoover Gang’s Child Sex Trafficking Ring in Los Angeles

Operation Broken Blade: Feds Dismantle Hoover Gang’s Child Sex Trafficking Ring in Los Angeles

By - August 15, 2025
Views: 627

August 14, 2025 | Los Angeles, CA — In one of the most disturbing and far-reaching human trafficking cases in recent memory, federal and local law enforcement agencies have arrested multiple members of the Hoover Criminal Gang in Los Angeles, charging them with operating a violent sex trafficking ring that exploited girls as young as 14. The arrests were the result of a coordinated pre-dawn raid dubbed “Operation Broken Blade,” led by the U.S. Department of Justice, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD).

The 31-count federal indictment alleges that members of the gang used beatings, starvation, rape, branding, and psychological manipulation to control their victims—many of whom were minors, runaways, or in the foster care system. Prosecutors say the gang ran its operation along the notorious Figueroa Corridor, a stretch of South Los Angeles long associated with commercial sex work and human trafficking.

A Brutal Enterprise

According to court documents, the Hoover Criminal Gang recruited vulnerable girls and young women through social media and in-person contact, luring them with false promises of luxury, protection, and affection. Once under the gang’s control, victims were forced into prostitution, often working out of motels rented by gang members.

The indictment describes a chilling pattern of abuse: victims were branded with tattoos bearing the street names of their traffickers, denied food and drugs if they disobeyed, and subjected to public humiliation and physical violence. One of the lead defendants, Amaya Armstead—known on the streets as “Lady Duck”—allegedly posted videos of herself beating a pregnant woman in a convenience store. Armstead’s nickname was reportedly tattooed on at least four victims.

“The exploitation of vulnerable women and children through sex trafficking is one of the most heinous crimes our society faces,” said LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell. “The victims in this case were preyed upon by individuals who sought to profit from their pain.”

Victims Rescued, Suspects Charged

During the raid, federal agents rescued four victims, including a minor. Ten of the eleven targeted suspects were taken into custody, while one—31-year-old Bryan Isrel, a.k.a. “4Loc”—remains at large and is considered a fugitive by the Department of Justice.

The defendants face charges including:

If convicted, several defendants face a minimum of 15 years in federal prison and a maximum sentence of life.

The Hoover Criminal Gang: A Violent Legacy

Formed in the late 1970s, the Hoover Criminal Gang is a faction of the Westside Crips and has long been associated with violent crime, drug trafficking, and gang warfare. Over time, the gang dropped its “Gangster Crip” identity and adopted the more autonomous “Hoover Criminals” moniker, embracing a ruthless “Everybody Killer” (EBK) mentality.

According to prosecutors, the gang’s sex trafficking operation was not a side hustle—it was a core enterprise. Members allegedly used social media to flaunt stacks of cash, designer clothes, and luxury cars to entice victims. Once recruited, girls were forced to remit all earnings from commercial sex dates to their pimps. Disobedience was met with brutal discipline.

“This created an atmosphere of intimidation that allowed the Hoovers to operate with virtual impunity,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli. “We are committed to dismantling these criminal enterprises and restoring safety to our communities.”

Operation Broken Blade: A Coordinated Strike

The takedown was months in the making. Federal agents worked closely with LAPD and Homeland Security to map the gang’s operations, identify victims, and build a case. Fox News was embedded with agents during the early-morning raid, which targeted suspects at multiple locations across South Los Angeles.

“This is a textbook example of interagency cooperation,” said Eddy Wang, Special Agent in Charge of HSI Los Angeles. “No human should be for sale—not here in Los Angeles or anywhere in our society.”

The operation also involved forensic analysis of social media posts, financial records, and surveillance footage. Investigators say the gang used encrypted messaging apps and burner phones to coordinate trafficking activities and evade detection.

Community Impact and Ongoing Efforts

The bust has sent shockwaves through South Los Angeles, where residents have long complained about unchecked sex trafficking along the Figueroa Corridor. Advocacy groups praised the operation but warned that more work remains.

“Rescuing victims is just the beginning,” said Maria Salazar, director of the nonprofit Safe Passage LA. “We need long-term support services, trauma counseling, and housing to help these survivors rebuild their lives.”

Federal officials say the investigation is ongoing and that additional arrests may follow. Prosecutors are also exploring asset forfeiture options to seize gang-owned property and redirect funds to victim support programs.

A Message of Accountability

Attorney General Pam Bondi issued a statement following the arrests: “The Department of Justice is making Los Angeles safer by arresting prolific gang members who are viciously trafficking young women and children for sex. These criminals will be held accountable, and their victims will be protected.”

Bondi’s office has made human trafficking a top priority, launching multiple initiatives to combat exploitation and support survivors. The Hoover Gang case is expected to serve as a model for future prosecutions under the RICO Act.

As the suspects await arraignment in federal court, the victims—many of whom endured years of abuse—are finally receiving the care and protection they deserve.

References