Tujunga home tied to alleged cult leader searched by federal officials
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A Tujunga home linked to the accused leader of an alleged cult was raided by federal agents and El Monte police as authorities served search warrants, alleging money laundering, sex trafficking and tax evasion.
The property garnered infamy as it became the subject of a Netflix documentary called “Dancing for the Devil,” which was an alleged talent agency for TikTok dancers and a church.
The hit documentary chronicles the stories of young TikTok dancers who came to Los Angeles to make it big but instead allegedly fell victim to Robert Shinn, a man who claimed to be the talent agency head and church pastor.
The federal agents and officers broke down the gate and raided the home connected to Shinn.
“It’s really really creepy,” one neighbor named Christian said. “I always wondered. Me and my wife would always talk about it like, ‘Is there someone in there? Why are those windows shut off?’”
Another neighbor, Arnie Aranyan, said he thought it was suspicious the church was always closed.
“Nobody could access it, he said. “We saw the Netflix special, and it was pretty shocking.”
The documentary led to dueling lawsuits between Shinn and the alleged victims.
Sarah Colon, who represents the alleged victims, said they were “gratified” that the federal government is investigating Shinn.
“We hope that our clients and other victims get justice done,” Colon said.
In response, Shinn’s company called the documentary a slanderous work of fiction.
Legal analyst Royal Oakes said prosecuting someone for an alleged cult can be an uphill battle
“The problem is that it is not illegal to fall for a line from a charlatan,” Oakes said. “But if people in the alleged cult are guilty of kidnapping or sexual assault, then yes, they can be charged with crimes.
The trial between Shinn and the alleged victims is scheduled for October.
Content retrieved from: https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/tujunga-home-tied-to-alleged-cult-leader-searched-by-federal-officials/3753700/.
