Daekun Cho, a 38-year-old resident of Woodland Hills, was arrested by Homeland Security Investigation agents and Los Angeles Police Department officers after a federal criminal complaint was filed against him a week prior. The complaint alleges that Cho interfered with commerce by threats or violence. He faces a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison if convicted.

Modern Day Bully

According to the federal criminal complaint, Cho extorted “protection” money from Koreatown businesses. When individuals refused to pay, he would resort to acts of violence against them, including shootings, carjacking, and kidnapping. He also made explicit threatening statements to many of the business owners and their employees.

The complaint summarizes four victims over the past year who experienced physical attacks and another Cho threatened. One victim, who refused to pay for protection, was beaten with a baseball bat by Cho and another man. Another victim had been paying Cho for about four years and decided to stop paying. When Cho found out, he threatened to assault the victim and stole $1,000 from him. 

Hiring an Experienced Defense Attorney

In California, a defendant will be guilty of interference of commerce with threats or violence if the prosecution can prove Cho's acts delayed, obstructed, or affected commerce (i.e., buying and selling of goods or services) or moved an article or commodity in commerce by robbing or extorting a person or property.

Attorney Vitaly Sigal of Sigal Law Group is a knowledgeable defense attorney who will work meticulously to create a strategic defense on your behalf, ensuring the best possible outcome for your case. Call 818-325-0579 today for a free consultation.