A leader of a Seattle street gang and an alleged co-conspirator have been indicted on federal charges for using force, threats, fraud, or coercion to commit sex trafficking, according to an April 29 announcement by First Assistant U.S. Attorney Charles Neil Floyd. Leanthony Palmer was initially indicted last October, with a superseding indictment returned this week adding further charges. Branden Barnett has been in state custody since November 24 and was indicted federally this week on six counts related to trafficking both adults and minors.
The indictments are significant because they address the exploitation of vulnerable women through violence, manipulation, and control across multiple states and even foreign countries. Floyd said, “These men exploited vulnerable women for their own financial gain. They used their power – physical, psychological, and economic -- to subject these victims to modern day slavery. We are determined to obtain justice and ensure the safety of these victims and all members of our community.”
According to the superseding indictment against Palmer, he allegedly trafficked at least three adult victims using force or coercion in several states including Washington, Alaska, Oregon, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Nevada (noted as 'Nevado' in the release), Massachusetts, Montana, Minnesota, Texas as well as other countries. He is also charged with conspiracy to commit money laundering connected to proceeds from sex trafficking activities.
Barnett faces six counts including conspiracy to commit sex trafficking through force or fraud; sex trafficking an adult female; transporting an adult victim for prostitution; coercing travel for prostitution; and two counts of attempted sex trafficking of a minor. Both indictments describe methods such as violence or threats thereof; providing or withholding drugs; controlling access to food or shelter; isolating victims in motel rooms; setting strict rules about earnings; obtaining fraudulent identification documents for travel purposes; and facilitating operations with rental properties under false identities.
King County Sheriff Patti Cole-Tindall said: “This work done by SeaTac Police and our Street Crimes Unit is critically important... It also sends the message that abuse and exploitation will not be tolerated.” King County Prosecuting Attorney Leesa Manion added: “In addition to the work by federal prosecutors there are also two co-defendants of Mr. Barnett charged by my office... it is important to bring that information before a judge to seek clear accountability.” Acting HSI Seattle Special Agent in Charge April Miller said: “HSI plays an integral role... In this case it was a Seattle street gang trafficking both adult and minor-aged victims... We will do everything we can...”
If convicted on these charges both men face mandatory minimum sentences ranging from 15 years up to life imprisonment.
The U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Washington promotes community safety through programs addressing gun violence and online threats according to its official website. The office operates out of Seattle and Tacoma according to its official website covering areas throughout Western Washington according to its official website. The office is part of the U.S Department of Justice according to its official website, employs about 85 attorneys alongside approximately 70 support staff according to its official website, handles federal prosecutions along with civil litigation according to its official website, enforces federal criminal laws while working closely with law enforcement agencies—providing legal counsel at the federal level—and leads drug court programs staffed by more than 150 people according to its official website.
