Los Angeles City Attorney Hydee Feldstein Soto yesterday continued her efforts to disrupt the human trafficking of minors on the Figueroa corridor in South Los Angeles with the announcement that a 36-year-old man was convicted for soliciting a minor to engage in prostitution.
Manuel Nunez, 36, was sentenced to 60 days in county jail, 12 months summary probation and ordered to enroll in and complete a one-year sex offender program approved by the LA County Probation Department.
On or about July 30, 2025, Nunez unlawfully solicited, engaged in, and agreed to engage in an act of prostitution with a minor (17 years old) in exchange for compensation from the minor. As part of Nunez’ sentence, he was ordered to stay away from the Flight Motel – where LAPD officers observed him and the victim – and from Figueroa Street between Gage Avenue and 98th Street.
The victim, who was previously in foster care, is now in the custody of the LA County Department of Children and Family Services.
“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,” said Soto. “This conviction sends a strong message that we are enforcing the law and ensuring that our children cannot be bought and sold. I look forward to continuing my partnership with Mayor Bass, Council President Harris-Dawson, the LAPD, DA Hochman, and other agencies in this critical work.”
The Figueroa corridor has been a hotbed for prostitution and an epicenter for human trafficking, including of minors. Feldstein Soto has been leading a multi-agency initiative with local and federal partners and service providers aimed at combating sex trafficking along the corridor.
In furtherance of the initiative’s anti-trafficking efforts, on Saturday, July 12, 2025, LAPD arrested Lucas Napolean Gladden on suspicion of human trafficking, following tips from social media posts and contact with the parents of a missing minor.
Upon apprehending Gladden in the process of transporting the minor to the encounter, LAPD was able to rescue another minor victim. LAPD referred this matter to the Office of District Attorney Nathan Hochman, who filed three felony counts against Gladden for false Imprisonment and human trafficking of a minor violations.
To date, the results of this coordinated, ongoing effort include:
- Over 200 children rescued, the youngest of whom was 12 years old;
- 22 adults assisted to leave sex work;
- More than 2,000 “dear john” letters sent;
- More than 190 perpetrators and pimps arrested and cited;
- A one-year closure of area motels that contributed to the violent activity.
- A lawsuit against another alleged crime magnet motel.
- Multiple permit revocations at area motels that permitted prostitution activity; and
- Other businesses under investigation.
