Seattle street gang leader detained following indictment for sex trafficking a victim on Aurora Avenue North and to other states

Seattle – A 34-year-old prominent member of a Seattle street gang was ordered detained today in U.S. District Court in Seattle, following his October indictment on three federal felonies, announced U.S. Attorney Charles Neil Floyd. Leanthony Palmer is scheduled for trial on sex trafficking, transportation for purpose of prostitution, and conspiracy to commit money laundering charges on December 22, 2025. Today Magistrate Judge Brian Tsuchida ordered him detained at the Federal Detention Center pending trial.

According to records filed in the case, Palmer is an acknowledged member of the Family Mafia Crips (FMC) street gang. He uses the moniker ‘Highway Tone.’ Palmer repeatedly posts online about his sex trafficking business and is in images with firearms and cash. His car, a 2017 Maserati Levante SUV, has been connected to drug trafficking activity. 

Evidence obtained during the course of the investigation revealed that Palmer uses social media to recruit potential victims, promising them international travel and financial benefits.  Palmer’s social media posts, videos, and text and phone communications contain statements by him in which he admits to assaulting victims. In March 2025, law enforcement responded after Palmer was alleged to have assaulted an adult victim who was trying to leave him by beating her and strangling her to unconsciousness.  Palmer has arrests in Nevada for domestic violence. He has been arrested in Idaho, Texas, and Massachusetts for illegal firearms possession.

The indictment alleges that Palmer was laundering money earned from sex trafficking in King, Pierce, Snohomish, and Whatcom Counties, as recently as October 8, 2025.

In asking that Palmer be detained prosecutors wrote to the court, “If Palmer is released from custody, the government believes that he will continue his pattern of violence to intimidate or silence victims and witnesses. Agents have interviewed multiple of Palmer’s prior sex workers during this investigation. They all expressed significant fear of reprisal if they were to cooperate.”

The Magistrate Judge ruled there were no conditions that could be imposed on Palmer that would keep the community safe if he were released from custody.

If convicted of all counts Palmer faces 15 years to life in prison.

The charges contained in the indictment are only allegations.  A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

The case is being investigated by the Seattle Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Zachary Dillon and Kate Crisham.