A 34-year-old Seattle man identified as a leading member of the Family Mafia Crips street gang has been ordered detained following his indictment on federal charges related to sex trafficking, according to an announcement from U.S. Attorney Charles Neil Floyd. Leanthony Palmer, who is known by the nickname ‘Highway Tone,’ faces charges including sex trafficking, transportation for the purpose of prostitution, and conspiracy to commit money laundering. His trial is scheduled for December 22, 2025.
Magistrate Judge Brian Tsuchida ruled that Palmer will remain in custody at the Federal Detention Center until his trial. The judge determined that no conditions could be imposed that would ensure community safety if Palmer were released.
Court documents state that Palmer used social media platforms to recruit potential victims by offering promises of international travel and financial gain. Investigators allege that Palmer’s online activity included posts about his sex trafficking operations and images showing firearms and cash. Authorities have also linked his vehicle—a 2017 Maserati Levante SUV—to drug trafficking activities.
Evidence cited in the case includes videos, text messages, and phone calls in which Palmer reportedly admits to assaulting victims. In March 2025, law enforcement responded after he allegedly beat and strangled an adult victim who was attempting to leave him. Palmer has prior arrests for domestic violence in Nevada as well as arrests for illegal firearms possession in Idaho, Texas, and Massachusetts.
The indictment further alleges that Palmer laundered proceeds from sex trafficking across multiple counties—King, Pierce, Snohomish, and Whatcom—as recently as October 8, 2025.
Prosecutors argued against releasing Palmer pending trial: “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.”
If convicted on all counts, Palmer faces a sentence ranging from 15 years to life in prison.
Authorities emphasize that the charges are allegations at this stage; defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
The investigation involves collaboration between the Seattle Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Assistant United States Attorneys Zachary Dillon and Kate Crisham are prosecuting the case.
