Los Angeles City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto announced a recent conviction in a case targeting the human trafficking scourge in South Los Angeles, particularly along the South Figueroa corridor. In a statement, Feldstein Soto's office said that Manuel Nunez, 36, was sentenced after being found guilty of soliciting a minor for prostitution. The court handed down a sentence of 60 days in county jail and 12 months summary probation, plus an order to complete a sex offender program.
This case falls under a larger collective effort by Feldstein Soto's office to disrupt the trafficking ring that affects minors in the area. Nunez was caught engaging with a 17-year-old and subsequently ordered to stay away from specific locations, including the motel where the crime occurred and a section of Figueroa Street. The unnamed victim, once in foster care, is now under the protection of the LA County Department of Children and Family Services.
Feldstein Soto, who took office in December 2022 as the city's first female City Attorney, underscored her commitment to fighting this particular offense: “Since day one in office, I have prioritized protecting minors from the human trafficking and sexual exploitation that has plagued the Figueroa corridor for far too long," she said. "This conviction sends a strong message that we are enforcing the law and ensuring that our children cannot be bought and sold."
The city attorney's ongoing initiative has yielded significant results, according to their press release. Notably, over 200 children have been rescued, and more than 190 perpetrators have been arrested. Additionally, a spate of "dear john" letters was sent out, numerous motels involved in such activities faced closures or lawsuits, and several businesses are under investigation for permitting illicit activities.
In related efforts, the Los Angeles Police Department recently arrested Lucas Napolean Gladden on charges tied to human trafficking, propelled by social media tips and communication with the parents of a missing minor. This action, part of the broader initiative, highlights the multi-agency collaboration in place to combat the cycle of exploitation prominent in parts of Los Angeles.
