LOS ANGELES, CA – A 26-year-old Thousand Oaks man pleaded not guilty Wednesday to multiple felony charges, including human trafficking and child abuse, involving a 14-year-old victim.
The Allegations
According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, Brandon Holguin targeted the teenager at a thrift store months before the incident. Prosecutors allege that in early May 2025, Holguin took the boy to a motel and forced him to prepare hundreds of items of clothing for online resale.
The defendant is accused of:
- Isolating the Victim: Taking and selling the teen’s cell phone to prevent family contact.
- Financial Exploitation: Using a false ID to pawn the boy’s family jewelry.
- Forced Labor: Providing the minor with Adderall to force him to work late hours, which reportedly made the child sick.
Rescue and Recovery
The harrowing ordeal ended on May 5, 2025, when the teen was allegedly abandoned on the side of a Los Angeles freeway in the middle of the night. The boy managed to walk to safety and call 911, eventually reuniting with his family.
Legal Proceedings
Holguin faces several felony counts, including child stealing and furnishing a controlled substance to a minor. If convicted, he could face up to 14 years in state prison. He is scheduled to return to a Pasadena courtroom on June 3 for a pretrial hearing.
Authorities Seek More Information
District Attorney Nathan Hochman stated that human exploitation remains a serious concern in the county. Officials worry there may be additional victims.
How to report information:
- Contact: Detective Salvador Ponce (LASD) at 818-236-4015.
- Anonymous Tips: Call LA Regional Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS.
