Thousand Oaks Man Charged with Labor Trafficking a 14-Year-Old in Resale Scheme
Thousand Oaks Man Charged with Trafficking a Minor for Forced Labor
LOS ANGELES COUNTY, Calif. – Brandon Holguin, 26, faces six felony charges related to the alleged trafficking of a 14-year-old boy for forced labor, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. If convicted, Holguin could be sentenced to a maximum of 14 years in state prison.
Prosecutors allege that Holguin kidnapped the minor after targeting him at a thrift store in late 2024. The boy was reported missing from northern Los Angeles County between May 2 and May 5, 2025. During that time, Holguin reportedly forced the victim to work under the influence of Adderall, a prescription medication, and seized the child’s cell phone to prevent any contact with his family. Allegedly, Holguin also sold the boy’s jewelry for profit while holding him in a motel.
After a failed plan to relocate operations to Northern California, Holguin abandoned the victim on the side of a Los Angeles freeway. The boy eventually found assistance and was reunited with his family.
Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman emphasized the dangers posed by human traffickers, stating, "Human labor traffickers frequently target vulnerable children, gaining their trust before isolating them and profiting from the child’s forced labor." He added that the search for the missing teen involved desperate efforts from both the victim’s family and law enforcement.
Holguin remains in custody with bail set at $650,000. A pretrial hearing is scheduled for June 3, as the investigation continues. Prosecutors are actively seeking any additional victims, underscoring the pervasive issue of human exploitation in the region.
Timeline of Events:
- Late 2024: Holguin allegedly targets the victim at a thrift store.
- May 2, 2025: The minor is reported missing.
- May 5, 2025: The boy is found on a freeway and reunites with family.
- May 9, 2025: Holguin is arrested by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
- Nov. 6, 2025: Holguin pleads not guilty to an amended complaint.
- April 22, 2026: A preliminary hearing holds Holguin to answer on all charges.
- May 7, 2026: Holguin is arraigned and pleads not guilty.
As the district attorney’s office continues its investigation, authorities encourage anyone with information on Holguin’s alleged activities to come forward.
