Attorney General Bonta Announces Grand Jury Indictment in Hollywood Sexual Exploitation Case

Defendants arraigned yesterday on indictment in downtown Los Angeles 

OAKLAND – California Attorney General Rob Bonta today announced securing a grand jury indictment against three defendants for allegedly operating a prostitution and sexual exploitation scheme through a company called The Luxury Companion and a talent agency called LA Direct Models. The defendants, who were initially charged with 12 felonies in 2020, now face a total of 20 felony counts of alleged pimping, pandering, conspiracy, money laundering, and perjury. Today's announcement comes after the defendants were arraigned on the indictment yesterday at the Clara Shortridge Foltz Criminal Justice Center in downtown Los Angeles.

“If you break the law and exploit people for sex, my office will come after you,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Our investigators and prosecutors remain steadfast in their efforts to fight for public safety on behalf of the people of our state. In this case, my office has successfully demonstrated to a grand jury that there is sufficient evidence to put the defendants to trial. We won’t rest until we’ve secured justice.”

Through the indictment, the criminal grand jury determined there was sufficient evidence for the prosecution of the defendants to proceed to trial. The indictment, which was affirmed in Los Angeles County on September 28, 2022, alleges that the defendants committed the majority of the felonies from 2017 through 2018. However, alleged counts of conspiracy and perjury were committed as early as 2013 and as late as 2022. Per court filings, the defendants allegedly set up hundreds of sexual encounters in exchange for money. In at least one instance, to entice models to work with them, the defendants allegedly promised to secure a film shoot with an award-winning pornography maker. In another instance, the defendants allegedly pressured an individual into prostitution by limiting access to work in pornography. In yet another instance, the defendants allegedly also pressured an individual into participating in more adult films in order to make more money through prostitution from the individual’s increased exposure. The next court date for the defendants is currently set for April 25, 2023. During yesterday's arraignment, the defendants pled not guilty.

Attorney General Bonta is committed to supporting survivors and fighting back against exploitation in all its forms. Last month, the Attorney General issued new guidance to help trafficking survivors secure relief for offenses committed as a result of being trafficked. In November, he announced that 30 individuals were arrested in San Diego County as part of Operation Century Week and, in Fresno, 19 individual were arrested for allegedly attempting to contact a minor for sex and other related offenses. Last year, the Attorney General announced the launch of California’s first-ever sexual assault evidence kit tracking portal to enable survivors of sexual assault to privately, securely, and electronically track information about their cases. Attorney General Bonta also joined a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general in supporting the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s effort to help survivors of human trafficking restore their financial independence.

It is important to note that criminal charges are only allegations against a person. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty.

A copy of the indictment is available here.