Alleged Lakewood Gang Leader Facing Human Trafficking Charges

LAKEWOOD, WA - The apparent leader of a Lakewood gang is facing multiple human trafficking charges, according to the Pierce County Prosecutor's Office. Matthew Holt, 25, was charged on Monday with conspiracy to commit human trafficking, first-degree human trafficking, second-degree human trafficking, and promoting commercial sexual abuse of a minor.

Holt and his fellow gang members are accused of raping and prostituting up to 15 adults and children, according to court records.

Lakewood police believe Holt is the leader of the Tillicum Park Gangsters, which operates in an isolated neighborhood between American Lake and I-5. While Holt was incarcerated last year, a Lakewood police sergeant listening to his jailhouse calls picked up chatter alluding to prostitution.

Holt spoke to at least three other purported gang members between July 27 and 29 making allusions to pimping and prostituting women, according to court records. Recordings of the call were also shared with the FBI.

Court records detail the stories of the 15 victims, some who were as young as 13 when they were allegedly prostituted by Holt and other gang members. In social media posts and jailhouse calls, Holt refers to himself as a "pimp," according to court records.

One victim, who was between the ages of 13 and 15 during her time under control of the gang, told police she was prostituted in Lakewood, Tacoma, Lacey, Olympia, and Bellingham.

A 19-year-old woman told police Holt assaulted her on multiple occasions. Holt allegedly "recorded her having a seizure after he physically assaulted her," the woman said.

In that incident, the woman was taken to the Bellingham Lodge where she was forced to have sex for money. The john began hurting her, so she stopped and left the hotel room she was in and went to see Holt, according to court records.

"[The woman] told Holt she wanted to see her baby (who was with Holt)," police wrote in a probable cause affidavit. "Holt then opened the door and punched her in the face. When [the woman] fell she went into a seizure and Holt filmed the seizure."

The Tillicum Park Gangsters have been operating in the Lakewood area for some time. In 2011, 11 members of the gang were arrested on various drug offenses.

Image via Lakewood police