Executive Summary
- Four men, including alleged ringleader Leroy Allen, were arrested on human trafficking and rape charges.
- The operation allegedly utilized a heavily armed apartment in the Little Woods neighborhood.
- Authorities seized multiple firearms, including rifles and shotguns, from the premises.
- Victims identified by police were all females under the age of 21, including juveniles.
Law enforcement officers in New Orleans arrested four men on Thursday in connection with an alleged human trafficking enterprise operating out of a heavily armed apartment in the Little Woods neighborhood, according to the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD). Authorities identified 31-year-old Leroy Allen as the alleged ringleader of the operation, which reportedly involved members of his family and targeted young women and girls.
Deputy Superintendent Nicholas Gernon stated that the suspects were acting in concert to move victims through an apartment located in the 12000 block of the North I-10 Service Road. Investigators described the location as the central hub for the group’s illicit activities. According to police reports, all identified victims were female and under the age of 21, with some confirmed to be juveniles.
Leroy Allen was taken into custody Thursday afternoon and booked into the Orleans Justice Center. He faces three counts of first-degree rape, one count of human trafficking, and a charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Following his apprehension, police arrested three alleged accomplices: Lawrence Allen, 28; Commoder Allen, 45; and Montrell Porter, 36. These individuals were also booked on charges of human trafficking and first-degree rape. Authorities noted that Commoder Allen was already wanted in Baton Rouge for similar offenses.
During the execution of the search warrant at the Little Woods residence, NOPD officers seized a significant cache of weaponry, including three handguns, two shotguns, five rifles, and ammunition. The operation was a collaborative effort involving the FBI and Homeland Security Investigations, which began probing the group in August 2025. Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams credited the use of open-source intelligence in helping to identify the suspects and secure evidence.
Investigative Outlook
While investigators believe the primary suspects implicated in this specific ring are now in custody, the NOPD has issued a public appeal for other potential victims to come forward, emphasizing that resources are available through organizations like Eden House and the New Orleans Family Justice Center. The focus of the investigation now shifts to the prosecutorial phase, where the gathered evidence, including the seized firearms and witness testimony, will be critical. It is important to note that all individuals arrested and charged in connection with this investigation are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
