Spearman member of the Bloods-affiliated 4-2 Pirus convicted

Darrius Eugene Spearman who took the stand Wednesday, claimed he was acting in self-defense when 19-year-old Marcus "Fish" Allen was shot on the dance floor at Tiffany's, a Port Arthur club located at Houston Avenue and 10th Street. The Nov. 25, 2007, shooting occurred as rap music filled with the sound of gunshots played in the background.Spearman and Allen were members of rival street gangs and their mutual hatred was part of what motivated the murder, Jefferson County prosecutor Ramon Rodriguez told jurors in his closing. In support of his contention, he noted that when asked by defense attorney James Makin to write the names of the two gangs on a dry-erase board, Spearman switched from red to blue.
"Without anyone asking him, (when) asked about the Crips he writes it in blue," Rodriguez said in his closing. "That's the mindset. I'm red, he blue. We're red. Them other people- they blue."
Spearman, a member of the Bloods-affiliated 4-2 Pirus, also wrote down his family members' names Wednesday as part of Makin's effort to refute the validity of a statement read by the prosecution during his trial Tuesday.The statement, said to be provided by fellow Piru-member Korwin Thomas to police, indicated that Spearman had punched and then vowed to kill Allen the day before after Spearman's sister, "Dee Dee," told him Allen had taken money out of her purse.Thomas, who spoke of PCP use during that period, testified Tuesday that he did not recall providing this statement, read to jurors by Ramon Rodriguez.Spearman testified Wednesday that he never confronted Allen, a member of the rival Crips-affiliated 5-2 Hoova gang, at a Port Arthur apartment complex as the statement alleged.Running through the list of siblings one by one, Spearman testified that none of them go by the name "Dee Dee." His attorney later emphasized Thomas' testimony that he was perpetually high on PCP at that time in his life and encouraged jurors to question how reliable his testimony was if there is no "Dee Dee."Rodriguez, however, noted that it would not be unusual for someone to call Spearman's oldest sister, Dewanda, "Dee Dee," placing a check mark above each of the two Ds in her name.Spearman claimed he first saw Allen on Nov. 25 when he approached him on the dance floor at the club and began throwing gang signs as Z-Ro's "I'm a Gangsta'" played. The two began to fight, Spearman testified, and he hit Allen, knocking him back. Allen drew a gun and they struggled. Spearman said he pushed the gun away from himself and toward Allen before it went off."I had nothing against him. We was just fighting and I didn't know it would go to gunplay," he said.Asked on cross-examination by Rodriguez which hand the gun was in, Spearman testified that it was in Allen's left hand.On rebuttal, Rodriguez called Allen's father, Alfred Allen, who testified that his son was right-handed."If you're right-handed, this is your dominant hand and you're strapped, you're packing, where are you going to have your gun?" Rodriguez asked in his closing. "Common sense will tell you that."

Streater is a member of the Bloods street gang. Martinez is a member of the Latin Kings, and Cruz is an associate of the same gang.

Burlington County Prosecutor Robert D. Bernardi announced today that a Burlington County Grand Jury indicted three men for the August 16, 2008 shooting of two brothers – one fatally – in the parking lot of the Mount Laurel, N.J., Marriott.

The Grand Jury indicted the following individuals on charges of Murder, Attempted Murder, Aggravated Assault, and Possession of a Weapon for an Unlawful Purpose: Daniel Cruz, age 24, of North 27th Street in Camden, N.J.Richard Martinez, age 34, of Gibbons Court in Atco, N.J.Antonio K. Streater, 26, of Vine Street in Camden, N.J.The investigation revealed that on August 16 at approximately 10:15 p.m., Gabriel Figueroa and Luis Pedroza, who are brothers, exited the Marriott and were shot after being confronted by Cruz, Martinez and Streater in the parking lot.
Figueroa was pronounced dead at Kennedy Memorial Hospital in Cherry Hill. Pedroza was shot in the shoulder and survived after being treated at Cooper University Medical Center in Camden. Figueroa, 20, and Pedroza, 27, were from Camden, N.J. They had checked into the hotel a few hours before being shot.Cruz and Martinez were arrested October 16, 2008, and Streater was arrested the following day.
Streater is a member of the Bloods street gang. Martinez is a member of the Latin Kings, and Cruz is an associate of the same gang.The shootings were investigated by detectives from the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Unit, the BCPO’s Gangs, Guns and Narcotics Task Force and the Mount Laurel Police Department.An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty.

Andrew Robert Ramirez, 21,Colton gang member who shot and killed 19-year-old Michael McLeod outside a party was sentenced to life in state prison

Colton gang member who shot and killed 19-year-old Michael McLeod outside a party was sentenced Wednesday to life in state prison without the possibility of parole. Andrew Robert Ramirez, 21, was convicted in November of murder and special allegations, including the use of a firearm, during a trial in San Bernardino Superior Court. The jury also found true a charge of special circumstances for committing a robbery to benefit a street gang. The special circumstance carried the life sentence, explained Deputy District Attorney Sharon Caldwell. Ramirez was also sentenced to 25 years to life for the murder and 10 years for the special allegations. However, Ramirez will not go to prison right away. He is awaiting trial as a defendant in another case for a home invasion robbery in June 2007 in Colton. Ramirez shot McLeod while he was leaving a party with a group of people in the 600 block of West L Street in Colton on April 20, 2007. McLeod was shot in the head and died at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, according to Colton police.
Police arrested Ramirez about two months later after he ran from them near 6th and Congress streets. He was captured after a short foot chase and booked into jail.

Suspected Zeta gang leader Gregorio Sauceda Gamboa, One of Mexico's 24 most-wanted drug traffickers.

Suspected Zeta gang leader Gregorio Sauceda Gamboa, One of Mexico's 24 most-wanted drug traffickers.Federal police say Sauceda Gamboa was detained in the border city of Matamoros, across the border from Brownsville, Texas.Sauceda Gamboa appears on a list of 24 alleged drug traffickers published by prosecutors in March. Authorities have offered rewards of up to $2.1 million for each suspect.Police said Wednesday that they also seized five rifles and more than 4,500 rounds of ammunition in the raid that netted Sauceda Gamboa.The Zetas are a violent drug gang based in the states along Mexico's Gulf coast, and have been involved in many of the killings that have taken more than 10,650 lives since 2006.

Wednesday's attack occurred about a mile away from a fatal shooting on March 28 in which attackers yelled the name of a Bassett street gang.

Self-proclaimed gang members shot and wounded a man in front of his home as he took out the trash Wednesday afternoon, authorities and witnesses said. The drive-by shooting occurred about 1:50 p.m. in front of a house at Amar Road and Melham Avenue in an unincorporated county area near La Puente. The wounded 20-year-old man was shot twice in the leg, said his uncle, who asked that his name not be published for fear of retaliation. The nephew and two of his friends were doing some cleaning at the home prior to the attack, the uncle said. "They were taking out some trash... and there were like five shots," he said. The assailants yelled out the name of a Bassett street gang during the incident, he added. The two or more attackers fled southbound on Melham Avenue in a dark-colored compact car, Los Angeles County sheriff's Sgt. Rico Sandoval said. The wounds did not appear to be life-threatening, he added. A minivan parked in front of the home had two bullet holes in it. The home's wall also had one bullet hole. "The other two are in my nephew's leg," the uncle said. The uncle said his nephew was not involved with gangs and he did not know what motivated the shooting. "I don't know what happened," he said. "Why in broad daylight?" A teenage boy at the scene said he was standing next to the victim during the shooting but declined to comment further. The uncle said the shooting in the normally quiet neighborhood had him worried about the safety of his family. One of the bullets struck a wall only feet from his elderly mother's room. "I'll keep an eye out," he said. "That's all I can do." Wednesday's attack occurred about a mile away from a fatal shooting on March 28 in which attackers yelled the name of a Bassett street gang. Oscar Reyes, a 33-year-old father and local resident, was gunned down as he stood in front of an apartment building on Cadwell Street, just west of Aileron Avenue, Los Angeles County sheriff's officials said. Family members said Reyes was not involved with gangs. Sandoval said gang violence often comes in surges. "Like any gang out there, sometimes their activity level rises and then drops," Sandoval said. "It often depends on which members are currently in jail."

white four-wheel-driven through the front window of Al Aseel restaurant on Bay Street in Brighton-le-Sands

white four-wheel-driven through the front window of Al Aseel restaurant on Bay Street in Brighton-le-Sands about 11.20pm.
They ignited the vehicle and left it to burn through the single-storey building, gutting the inside and leaving the roof blackened and buckled.The restaurant was owner Charlie Obeid's second venture following the success of his Greenacre eatery of the same name.
A restaurant in the Sydney suburb of Brighton-Le-Sands was wrecked after two men apparently drove a vehicle through the front and set fire to it.Mr Obeid said he was in shock and did not know who targeted his business."We didn't have problems with anyone really. This was our second restaurant and we've got the catering business as well," he said."Things were on the up and up and this brings us down again."Mr Obeid said neither he nor any family members had ties to bikie gangs.The restaurant had not received any threats since it opened three weeks ago."This was just out of the blue," Mr Obeid said.Mr Obeid said he spent $400,000 on the new restaurant. It served breakfast, lunch and dinner.Al Aseel at Greenacre was awarded a star in the Sydney Morning Herald 2009 Good Food Guide.
Police do not believe the fire had anything to do with recent bikie-related violence targeting nearby businesses."It's the early stages of the investigation but we're not aware of any connections with other crimes that have occurred," Superintendent Helen Begg said."There is no evidence at this stage to suggest a link to outlaw motorcycle gangs."However, Superintendent Begg said investigators would "examine all avenues".She said she was not aware of any racial tension in the area.One of the men seen running from the restaurant was wearing an Everlast branded hooded jumper. He was described as being of Middle Eastern appearance, about 24 years old, with short, black, spiked hair.The other man was also believed to be aged about 24, of large build, about 170 centimetres tall and was wearing a dark balaclava.
Superintendent Begg said police had seized the four-wheel-drive's number plates and were also looking at CCTV footage taken in the area.It was not known if the car was stolen, she said.The restaurant had closed just an hour before the attack, Superintendent Begg said.

Clayton Roueche, leader of the notoriously violent United Nations Gang, which has figured in much of the deadly gun play on Vancouver-area streets

Clayton Roueche, leader of the notoriously violent United Nations Gang, which has figured in much of the deadly gun play on Vancouver-area streets this year, faces a minimum of 10 years in prison.But U.S. Attorney Jeff Sullivan, chief prosecutor for western Washington, indicated he'll ask for much more and demand Roueche serve all of his time in a U.S. federal penitentiary instead of being transferred to a Canadian prison.Roueche, who appeared Tuesday before U.S. District Court Judge Robert Lasnik, accepted a plea agreement, admitting he conspired to import more than 1,000 kilograms of marijuana into the United States and bring more than five kilos of cocaine into Canada from 2005 until his arrest last year.The 33-year-old also pleaded guilty to laundering money from the drug sales. Two lesser counts were dropped.The charges stem from an investigation called Operation Frozen Timber, which uncovered the smuggling of tonnes of marijuana into the Washington state using small planes and helicopters.U.S. agents arrested 40 people in 2006 and seized more than three tonnes of pot and 360 kilos of cocaine, three aircraft and US$1.5 million in cash.
Roueche's sentencing hearing is scheduled for Sept. 18.The two drug convictions carry sentences of 10 years to life in prison and a fine of up to US$4 million. The money-laundering charge carries a 20-year maximum and fines ranging from US$250,000 up to twice the amount of the laundered money.Under U.S. rules, Roueche would have to serve at least 85 per cent of his prison term before being eligible for parole.Canadians convicted in U.S. courts are eligible to serve their time in Canadian prisons - and be released sooner - under a bilateral treaty."We have made it clear to Mr. Roueche and his attorney that we will vigorously oppose a treaty transfer," said Sullivan. "It's my position that he do his sentence in America and not be returned to Canada to complete his sentence."Todd Maybrown, Roueche's lawyer, said that won't be up to the judge who will sentence Roueche.That decision is made jointly by the U.S. State Department and Canada's Department of Foreign Affairs, he said.Maybrown wouldn't comment on the plea deal, nor how Roueche is facing the prospect of prison."He's fine," Maybrown said.Sullivan said Roueche likely will get some consideration for agreeing to plead guilty but the prosecution believes the guideline is 30 years to life in prison."We believe that his role as the leader of the UN Gang and the fact that this is a violent criminal organization is important to the court in deciding what an appropriate sentence is," said SullivanCanadian investigators played no significant role in assembling the U.S. case against Roueche but evidence of his organized-crime activities here will play a part in sentencing, said Supt. Pat Fogarty of the Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit.Police in the Vancouver region say the UN Gang has been in a deadly war with the Red Scorpions that they believe is linked to many of the 21 confirmed shooting deaths so far this year.Police say they have arrested some of the top gang leaders of both the UN Gang - so named because it's not limited to any one ethnic group - and the Red Scorpions in a series of recent arrests.Roueche, a founder of the UN Gang 12 years ago, avoided entering the United States for fear of arrest.But last May he decided to attend a wedding in Mexico, where authorities refused him entry at the request of Canadian and U.S. police.Roueche was put on a plane back to Canada that landed first in Dallas, Texas, where U.S. authorities were waiting to arrest him based on a then-sealed indictment.Sullivan said that while Roueche's conviction is a major blow to the UN Gang and the Pacific Coast drug trade, it's unrealistic to believe trafficking will be impaired for long."To the extent that we can disrupt and dismantle that drug organization, I think it'll slow it down," he said. "Unfortunately there's so much money involved in drug trafficking, we slow it but we don't seriously disrupt it."

Gangster Sean "Bill" Francis's colourful life ended in a barrage of bullets on Monday night when gunmen opened fire on him with a high-powered rifle

Gangster Sean "Bill" Francis's colourful life ended in a barrage of bullets on Monday night when gunmen opened fire on him with a high-powered rifle as he stood outside a mini-mart, opposite his home at Vegas, Morvant.Francis, 41, was shot some 50 times, according to homicide detectives. He died on his way to the Port of Spain General Hospital.His brother, Glen, 29, and stepson, Kevon "Bumper" Inniss, 18, who were also injured in the attack, were up to press time, both listed in stable condition at the hospital."He was killed because he was charismatic. A lot of people felt he was a threat because he was able to mobilise the people single-handedly," Shivonne, 24, one of Francis's seven children, said outside the St James Forensic Science Centre yesterday.The drama unfolded around 9 p.m. on Monday as the trio stood together, talking on a staircase outside the Love First Mini-Mart in Morvant when the passengers of a heavily-tinted, white Nissan B-15 motor car drove past and an occupant opened fire on them. All three were hit. dried bloodstains from Monday's gun attack were still visible on the staircase. But the few residents who were outside declined to comment about what took place the night before. And homicide detectives are now stumped as to the motive behind the killing. Who would be brave enough to enter Francis's stronghold, kill him and escape unhurt?One motive detectives are currently working on is that Francis's slaying was directly linked to an arson attack in Beetham earlier in the day on Monday.In that incident, five houses, in Phase Four, Beetham Gardens, were destroyed by a fire said to be intentionally set, in order to gather information about the mysterious disappearance of four illegal guns.The person responsible for the disappearance of those guns is said to have approached Francis for protection and also hid the stolen guns in Vegas.But Francis's relatives have denied this. Instead, they believe his death was triggered by jealousy.In 1997, Francis was in charge of the Port of Spain region of the Unemployment Relief Programme."He was a man of peace. There are many misconceptions about him but he never condoned violence, and anyone close to my father knows that he stood for peace and love," Shivonne said as she waited for the autopsy on her father to be completed.
"And anyone who wants to take the law into their own hands is not a friend of my father. He was not a criminal or gangster, and we will try to maintain what he stands for," she said.
And the police are hoping this call will be heeded, but they are expecting the worst. There will be bloodshed, Morvant police believe.In 2006, Francis brokered a "peace accord" between rival factions in the Morvant area, with the aim of reducing the level of violence in the beleaguered community.

Reginald Royal, 32, Lonnial Rountree, 20, and Terrance Hilson, 29, were charged Saturday for the murder of 38-year-old Ray Washington was shot dead

Three men were charged with first-degree murder in the fatal shooting of a suspected high-ranking member of the Four Corners Hustler street gang.Reginald Royal, 32, Lonnial Rountree, 20, and Terrance Hilson, 29, were charged Saturday for the murder of 38-year-old Ray Washington who was shot dead at the 3800 block of West Flournoy in the West Lawndale neighborhood Thursday.A housing inspector with Washington was also shot but was expected to live.
Washington was taken to Mount Sinai Hospital where he was pronounced dead.The three men led police on a brief chase before being arrested shortly after the shooting.

20 members of the "Chain Gang" and "Wolf Pack" are locked up.

Prosecutors say more than 20 members of the "Chain Gang" and "Wolf Pack" are locked up. Federal agents busted a major Rochester gang Monday.It is a major takedown for Rochester. "I can tell you these individuals are responsible for a tremendous amount of violence that's taking place in our community," said Rochester Police Chief David Moore.Prosecutors tell us it's the first time in the city's history that the RICO statute is being used to bust up a gang. It's the same law that was used to bring down the mob. Monday, it was used to arrest two-dozen young people, mostly on the city's east side.Federal and local law enforcement teamed up Monday to make the arrests. Many of the arrests came in and around Grand and Garson Avenues. Gail Ashley has heard of the gangs. She's known as the church lady in her neighborhood and even knows some of the gang members. "They don't want to be out there selling drugs, and they don't want to be in a gang and all of that," said Ashley. "But what choice do they have?"Ashley says many times they don't have a choice. She believes the problem is poor education and lack of jobs. Other neighbors like Jeff Hoffmann agree. He says the lack of jobs turns many teens to the streets. "Living here in the midst of it, there are a lot of good people in this neighborhood," said Hoffmann. But while he is tending to his garden, crimes are being committed around him. "You get property destruction, you get theft, and you get transits coming in out of the neighborhoods," said Hoffmann. "Perhaps buying drugs." Police Chief David Moore says Monday's arrests are significant."Gang violence is a significant role in the violence we see in this community," Moore said. Sources tell us the suspects are accused of all sorts of crimes ranging from murders to gun charges to drug dealing. But Ashley sees a different side to these suspects."Most of them are good boys," said Ashley. "They just (come from) broken homes or just boredom."
People who live in the neighborhood hope Monday's arrests will help clean up the streets. Chief Moore says there's no doubt. It's a guaranteed safer community. We also spoke with Mayor Bob Duffy. He says gang activity simply will not be tolerated in Rochester. Racketeering comes with a stiff penalty. If convicted, the maximum sentence is 20 years in prison and a $25,000 fine.

Steven Bryant, 23, a reputed member of the Insane Deuces street gang, opened fire, striking Martinez in the head and body

Ricardo "Ricky" Martinez Jr. was gunned down on the Northwest Side on "a night when everything went wrong," prosecutors said as a trial opened Monday for a reputed gang member charged in the slaying.Martinez, 23, had recently left the Marine Corps after two tours of duty in Iraq when he was fatally shot in April 2006 as he drove home from a Cubs game with friends.Steven Bryant, 23, a reputed member of the Insane Deuces street gang, opened fire, striking Martinez in the head and body, after mistaking one of Martinez's friends for a rival, said Assistant Cook County State's Atty. Ray Brogan. Martinez died several days later, but charges were not filed in the case until February 2007. While Bryant was imprisoned for an unrelated offense, he was recorded making incriminating telephone calls to witnesses and his mother, Brogan said. Bryant told an undercover officer that he wanted to have two women who were with him in the car murdered to prevent them from testifying against him, the prosecutor alleged.While driving home from the Cubs game, one of the men in Martinez's car realized he lost his cell phone, and a quarrel ensued, Brogan said. Martinez pulled over, and the friends got out and began pushing and shoving -- "just stupid stuff," Brogan said. As Bryant and his friends approached in another car, one of the men with Bryant mistook one of Martinez's friends for a gang rival. Bryant allegedly leaned out the car and opened fire, striking Martinez.But Bryant's attorney, Jack Smeeton, told Cook County Circuit Judge Bertina Lampkin that his client was being set up by some of the witnesses who had ties to the rival gang, the Four Corner Hustlers.

"This fallen hero, Mr. Martinez, deserves justice," Smeeton said. "But we have a criminal justice system to make sure that the person responsible for this is ultimately held responsible."

Smeeton said though his client may have made threats against witnesses, it wasn't evidence that he killed Martinez, only that he was trying to deal with "turncoat members of the gang who had lied about him."Lampkin is presiding over the bench trial and will decide Bryant's fate.

Fifteen alleged members and associates of the Raza Unida prison and street gang were indicted

Fifteen alleged members and associates of the Raza Unida prison and street gang were indicted in Houston, Texas for trafficking in significant quantities of cocaine and methamphetamine and possessing firearms unlawfully and during the commission of drug trafficking offenses.

Acquitted Gold Coast "gangster" Jade Lacey of murder.

Lacey, 25 and his brother Dionne Matthew Lacey, 23, had pleaded not guilty to murdering Kevin Palmer, 23, at a unit in Nerang on May 6, 2007.Supreme Court judge has ordered a jury to acquit Gold Coast "gangster" Jade Lacey of murder.The brothers had also pleaded not guilty to a charge each of unlawful wounding with intent to maim Mr Palmer.This morning, after legal argument between Crown prosecutors and the Lacey brothers' lawyers, Justice Glenn Martin told the jury as a "matter of law" they could not return a guilty verdict on the murder charge against Jade Lacey and the unlawful wounding charge against Dionne Lacey.The jury, as instructed, then returned a not guilty verdict on both charges. The case will continue with Jade Lacey still facing one charge of unlawful wounding with intent to maim Mr Palmer and Dionne Lacey facing one charge of murder.Shortly after the verdict, Jade Lacey took the witness stand to give evidence in his own defence.During the trial, the jury has heard the Lacey brothers arrived at the Nerang unit where Mr Palmer and a group of men were gathered armed with pistols. During an argument, Jade Lacey shot Mr Palmer once in the leg and Dionne Lacey fired a bullet into his chest, killing him.
The brothers admit to firing their guns but claim they were acting in self defence. On the witness stand, Jade Lacey said he noticed a pistol on the dining table of the unit when he first arrived.He told the court he went outside and returned when he heard an argument going on between others at the unit and his brother, Dionne. He said when he told everyone to ''calm down and no one will get hurt'' Mr Palmer ''just exploded'' and began advancing towards him and gesturing that he had a gun in a bum bag he was wearing."I kept walking back, I pointed my gun .. I thought maybe if I got my gun out I could have just left," Lacey testified."He (Kevin) put his hand into his bum bag and pulled a pistol out. He rushed forward, I pointed my gun downwards and fired a shot at the floor"I just wanted to make a big bang so I could get out of there quick."I thought he was going to kill me. I was scared as."One witness, Salih Gaziler, who was at the unit on the night of the shooting, told the court last week he believed Jade Lacey had shot Mr Palmer because Mr Palmer was shaping up to assault him at the unit."He didn't want to lose his image as a big-known gangster, getting bashed (by Kevin)," Mr Gaziler said.

German Torres, 29, was arrested in Mexico City on Friday. He is believed to be a founding member of the feared "Zetas"

German Torres, 29, was arrested in Mexico City on Friday. He is believed to be a founding member of the feared "Zetas" wing of the powerful Gulf cartel that dominates drug smuggling from northeastern Mexico into Texas.The public security ministry said Torres was also thought to be involved in the kidnapping of Batista, a Cuban-American credited with negotiating past releases of hostages held by Colombian rebels, in the northern city of Saltillo on December 10.Investigators ran DNA tests in February on charred bodies found in the surrounding state of Coahuila but have yet to confirm whether Batista was among them.The Coahuila state attorney general's office declined to comment on its investigation into Batista, who disappeared after he apparently stepped outside a restaurant alone after answering a cell phone call.Separately in Coahuila, suspected drug hitmen killed the police chief of Piedras Negras, a town on the Texas border, after less than three weeks in the job, local media reported.Arturo Navarro, a former army colonel, was shot in his vehicle in the early hours of Saturday, Zocalo and El Norte newspaper websites said. Police declined to comment.

Mexican drug cartels are entrenched in Oklahoma

Mexican drug cartels are entrenched in Oklahoma, casting an ominous shadow on the future of our cities and rural communities. "Oklahoma's No. 1 threat is the Mexican drug cartels," said Darrell Weaver, executive director of the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs Control. "Make no mistake." gathered over the past 14 years has revealed a shadowy underworld of "second- and third-generation" Mexican drug smugglers who have gained a foothold throughout Oklahoma. They often operate in rural towns under the guise of a legitimate business such as a meat market or restaurant, and their connections have been traced to nearly all of Mexico's most notorious cartels — Sinaloa, Los Zetas, La Familia Michoacana, La Linea and Juarez.

"At least 90 percent of the drugs we see here in Oklahoma are coming from the Mexican drug cartels," said one undercover state agent who agreed to speak on the condition of anonymity.

The agent, known as "Agent M.S." for this article, is a veteran investigator who often conducts direct buys with major drug distributors. He is a second-generation American citizen whose father once served in the Mexican military, and he has participated in many of Oklahoma's largest drug busts in the past 15 years. "They're really in our neighborhoods," said Agent M.S., who posed as a seller in a sting operation in August at Penn Square Mall in Oklahoma City. Unarmed, he met three Mexican dealers who scanned his body with a hand-held metal detector to see if he was wired with a recorder or listening device. Once satisfied that he wasn't an undercover agent or police informant, the men began to talk about business and their connections with Mexican drug cartel members in Dallas and beyond the Rio Grande. "They mentioned real names of cartel members," Agent M.S. said. "Suddenly I realized I'm dealing with a guy on a real level. He wanted 50 kilos (of cocaine) a week. You're talking $1 million to $1.5 million a week worth of cocaine. That's real money and whenever you're talking about those kinds of purchases, you're dealing with a Mexican drug cartel.
Information gathered from the encounter led to a Mexican restaurant owner who had been using his popular western Oklahoma business as a front for his drug-smuggling operation. The investigation continues with hopes of netting higher-level cartel members. "Oklahomans are in danger because they deal with these people without them knowing," Agent M.S. said. "They'll visit their restaurants (or other businesses) they own. The danger is being caught in the crossfire." The cartels are also providing children with drugs, and rural communities are no longer insulated from the major drug operations. In fact, Agent M.S. said, one informant recently claimed that two large warehouses are cooking methamphetamine somewhere in the state. Such warehouses — known as "fiesta labs" in Mexico — are designed to cook massive amounts of methamphetamine around the clock. Another undercover state agent, who also asked for anonymity as "Agent P.A.," said, "The average citizen doesn't have a clue as to the reality of the Mexican drug cartels operating in the United States, and specifically Oklahoma. "And it's not just in Oklahoma City. It's everywhere they can gain a foothold. You go to Elk City, and if you dig deep enough you'll find a connection in Elk City. You can go to Woodward Altus Frederick and you can find a connection if you look hard enough."

Three high-ranking Salvadoran gangsters suspected of being major drug suppliers

Police arrested 29-year-old Jose Callehas-Alfaro, 23-year-old German Escobar and 22-year-old Pedro Escobar on suspicion of possession of meth for sale, conspiracy to commit a crime, participating in a criminal street gang and other charges.Police say a month-long investigation has led to the arrest of three high-ranking Salvadoran gangsters suspected of being major drug suppliers.On Friday, Santa Cruz police said they seized three pounds of methamphetamine and a loaded, stolen handgun in a drug sting coordinated with the Fresno County Sheriff's Office narcotics team.Police Capt. Steve Clark says officers purchased meth from the three men on Wednesday for $42,000. Police say the men are suppliers of methamphetamine, cocaine and heroin and that this particular shipment was destined for Fresno County.Alfaro and Pedro Escobar are being held on $35,000 bail at the Santa Cruz County Jail. German Escobar's bail is $85,000.

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Erick Nunez, 24,convicted of first-degree murder with special circumstances.

Erick Nunez, 24, was sentenced Friday in Los Angeles. He was convicted of first-degree murder with special circumstances. Prosecutors said Nunez and another man opened fire during a private rap-music party in 2005, spraying 26 rounds and continuing to shoot the victims as they lay dying. Nunez was arrested in 2006 during a shootout with sheriff's deputies after he took a Compton family hostage. A co-defendant is awaiting sentencing for the Moose Lodge killings. A third man awaits trial. At Friday's hearing, one victim's mother told Nunez that she will "pray every night that your life is filled with misery

Erick Nunez, 24,convicted of first-degree murder with special circumstances.

Erick Nunez, 24, was sentenced Friday in Los Angeles. He was convicted of first-degree murder with special circumstances. Prosecutors said Nunez and another man opened fire during a private rap-music party in 2005, spraying 26 rounds and continuing to shoot the victims as they lay dying. Nunez was arrested in 2006 during a shootout with sheriff's deputies after he took a Compton family hostage. A co-defendant is awaiting sentencing for the Moose Lodge killings. A third man awaits trial. At Friday's hearing, one victim's mother told Nunez that she will "pray every night that your life is filled with misery

Murdered Ray Washington, an alleged leader in the Four Corner Hustler gang

Killed was Ray Washington, an alleged leader in the Four Corner Hustler gang, police said. The inspector with Washington also was shot, but he was expected to live.alleged high-ranking Chicago gang member with addresses on the North Shore and in a far southwest suburb was gunned down Thursday afternoon while standing outside a West Side residence with a housing inspector, authorities said.
Washington and the inspector -- who works for a company contracting with the Chicago Housing Authority -- were shot at 1:30 p.m. Thursday while standing in the 3800 block of West Flournoy. Police think Washington was in the neighborhood because of property he is involved in there and was possibly shot over gang issues, Gang Enforcement Section Cmdr. Leo Schmitz said.Although investigators initially believed the property was being appraised, CHA officials said the inspector was there to do a Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) inspection on a unit.Police arrested three suspects after a short chase and also seized two weapons within minutes of the shooting.According to records and law enforcement sources, Washington, 38, has several addresses in the Chicago area. His address was listed in the 1900 block of Browning Court in Highland Park, although it is unclear whether that was his current home.
That home was described as expansive, as was another home he apparently had in south suburban Frankfort.Washington, a convicted felon, has an arrest record that includes narcotics and weapons violations, according to records. His name also surfaced in major mortgage fraud investigations involving upper-level gang members, a source said.Harrison District tactical officers heard the shots and saw the gunmen getting into a car. Other officers, including gang enforcement teams, joined the chase and walked the neighborhood to find the guns. The suspects were arrested a short distance away after running from the car.“They did a murder in plain view in the middle of day,” Schmitz

Asian Cobras Hmong gang is trying to recruit his sons through intimidation.

Asian gangs are expanding and becoming more visible. The groups have typically been overshadowed by larger street gangs, like Crips or Bloods. As police investigate Wednesday’s firebombing of the home on N. Banks police are learning more about the gang that's reportedly behind the attack. The homeowner claims a Hmong gang is trying to recruit his sons through intimidation. They've vandalized cars, sprayed the house with bullets and now the violence. No one was hurt in the attack. "I think they are trying to scare me or give up and join them," he said. Threats and violence are common gang recruitment tactic. "That is that the way these gangs often work, is you join us or else, you are either with us or against us and using those intimidation factors brings other people in," Portland State sociologist Randy Blazak said. Experts say, Asian gangs often go unnoticed. Unlike other street gangs, they tend to prey on their own community. "Its a sort of insular world that a lot of people on the outside world don't have access to, including other gang members," according to Blazak. “I mean, it is often a mystery to other gang members like Bloods and Crips about how groups like Asian Cobras and those groups work.” Police records obtained by KGW detail another rare public incident in November, when gang members sparked a small riot at a Hmong New Year's festival in Hillsboro.


Police worry the once relatively quiet gangs are becoming more active and the violence more extreme and more public.


Police don't have an exact number of Asian gang members, but they figure it is a small percentage of the estimated 3,000 street gang members statewide.

Members of the Southside Bloods, East Side Bloods, Southside Rattlers, or West Side Rattlers gangs.indicted on 45 counts of aggravated assault

Ten young Albany men, most 19 or 20 years of age, were indicted Wednesday on 45 counts of aggravated assault, firearm crimes, and street gang activity. Prosecutors say they are members of the Southside Bloods, East Side Bloods, Southside Rattlers, or West Side Rattlers gangs.Prosecutors say December 27th in the 11-hundred block of West Gordon Avenue they opened fire with shotguns and pistols. 17 year old John Greene and 19 year old Jonathon Williams were both wounded."From an earlier incident where there had been a brief altercation, and then this retaliatory incident. And that's what this involved," said Dougherty District Attorney Greg Edwards.Both Greene and Williams are recovering, and were not charged in the indictment. Edwards said the Grand Jury message is clear, that gang violence will not be tolerated in Albany."This type of gang warfare endangers everybody and this is a clear instance of this. They just opened fire and two people were hit," Edwards said.If the ten men are found guilty, they will likely spend most of the remainder of their lives behind bars.
"If they are convicted, their parole officer probably has not been born yet," Edwards said.Seven of the ten gang members have been released on bond, three remain in jail pending trial.

Clayton Roueche founder of the UN gang is scheduled to enter a guilty plea Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Seattle.

Clayton Roueche is scheduled to enter a guilty plea Tuesday in U.S. District Court in Seattle. It wasn't immediately clear Friday if he would plead to all or just some of the charges against him. No plea agreement has been made public, and his lawyer, Todd Maybrown, did not immediately return calls seeking comment.Roueche, of Vancouver, British Columbia, had long steered clear of the U.S. because he feared arrest - telling one woman in a monitored conversation he couldn't drive her to Bellingham, Wash., because he'd spend the next 20 years in a U.S. prison.But he was finally caught last year after he tried to attend a wedding in Mexico. Mexican authorities wouldn't let him enter the country, and at the request of the Americans, they put him on a flight home that landed first in Dallas.U.S. authorities immediately arrested him based on a then-sealed indictment charging him with conspiracy to distribute cocaine and marijuana and to launder money.The charges against him stem from an investigation called Operation Frozen Timber, which uncovered the smuggling of tons of marijuana into the U.S. by private planes and helicopters. When results of the investigation were announced in 2006, federal agents had arrested 40 people and seized roughly 4 tons of marijuana, 800 pounds of cocaine, three aircraft and $1.5 million in cash.
Canadian officials say Roueche founded the UN gang - so called because of its ethnic diversity - in the Fraser River Valley southeast of Vancouver about 12 years ago."This is a significant case that will have an effect on this organized crime group," Royal Canadian Mounted Police Sgt. Tim Shields said Friday. "The UN gang poses a significant risk to public safety in the greater Vancouver area and beyond, and it has been linked to drug trafficking, violent crimes and murders."In recent months, Mexican soldiers have clamped down on the cocaine trade there, dramatically cutting the supply and driving up prices in the U.S. and Canada, investigators say. As a result, gangs in British Columbia that export marijuana and import cocaine and guns have been fighting over the remaining supply. There have been more than 30 killings in the Vancouver area this year, with police attributing many of them to gangs.

27th Street Gang often clashes with the 31st Street Gang."They were just walking home, walking down the street,"

Harvey Lewis, 15, a cadet with the police Explorers program, and his friend Dominque Smith, 18, both of South Philadelphia, each suffered a gunshot wound to the back of the head as they walked home from a friend's house.Police say they believe three assailants, possibly in their teens, ran up behind Lewis and Smith on 26th Street near Morris Street and shot them. Several 9mm casings and a 9mm gun were recovered there."They were just walking home, walking down the street," Homicide Capt. James Clark said yesterday. "We believe somebody in the neighborhood knows who did this. . . . We really need the public's help finding the people who killed these two very innocent people."
Neither Lewis nor Smith had a criminal history or was involved in activities that would make him a likely victim, police have said. Clark, who has called the victims "good kids," said detectives had ruled out robbery as a motive.The task force will be made up of investigators from homicide, patrol, South Detectives, and the Criminal Intelligence Unit.Lewis' mother, Arleen Weston, and Smith's mother, Sharon Smith, said this week that their children likely had been in the wrong place at the wrong time.The neighborhood is well-known for slayings among teens from rival blocks. The 27th Street Gang often clashes with the 31st Street Gang. Relatives said Lewis and Smith had not been part of that.
Bishop James Darrell Robinson of Yesha Ministries Worship Center, 2301 Snyder Ave., has been counseling the two families."Last thing I heard was that the culprits approached and realized it was the wrong people, but one of them said, 'Shoot them anyway,' " Robinson said of reports circulating in the neighborhood.He also decried the pervasive "no snitch" culture, saying: "The biggest fight we have is really against the mentality. We definitely need the public's help, and hopefully someone will come forward."Detectives have not been able to find witnesses who heard what the gunmen said or could give a detailed description of them, Clark said. The task force is checking all surveillance cameras in the area with recordings from that night.Both mothers said their sons desperately had wanted to get away from the violence in the neighborhood.Services for Lewis and Smith will be held together Monday at Yesha Ministries Worship Center. Friends may call from 9 to 10:45 a.m., with the funeral service at 11 and burial to follow. Officials said the families were trying to make arrangements for the two friends to be buried next to each other.

36th Street Bang Squad busted 13 members bringing more than 100 charges, police said

The operation against the 36th Street Bang Squad was carried out Friday morning, Hampton police spokeswoman Cpl. Paula Ensley said.Hampton and Newport News police officers, with the assistance of federal and state investigators, have busted 13 members of a street gang, bringing more than 100 charges, police said Friday.
She said warrants were obtained for 15 members of the gang. Police eventually picked up 13 people."The Hampton Police Division, along with the assistance of the Newport News Police Department, Virginia State Police and the Federal Bureau of Investigations conducted a warrant operation in reference to serving 103 felony and misdemeanor gang related warrants," Ensley said.The gang is a sect of the criminal street gang Bloods, according to previous affidavits for search warrants."The Hampton Police Division would like to thank the Hampton Commonwealth Attorney's Office, Newport News Police Department, the Virginia State Police and the FBI for their assistance in this operation. This successful operation is another perfect example of how all local law enforcement agencies are working together to combat gangs in our cities," Ensley said.The operation comes just over a month after federal prosecutors announced indictments against 10 people who they said were members of the "Dump Squad," the "Bang Gang" or the "Slump Mobb" — a gang based in southeast Newport News.Almost 40 charges, including three homicides, were leveled against the people arrested in Newport News under the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, which entails running a criminal racketeering enterprise.Ensley said federal law was not used in Friday's operation and all of the charges were from Hampton Police Division warrants.Details of the charges were still emerging Friday evening.Ensley said "numerous felony charges" had been brought in the Hampton operation but no charges for homicide had been brought.The 36th Street Bang Squad was mentioned last year in court documents when police investigated the shooting death of 14-year-old Robjea Mitchell inside a home on Greenbriar Avenue in Hampton in October.Police said suspected juvenile members of the gang were in the house at the time.Police have not made a decision on whether the death will be considered an accident or a homicide.

Drug deal gone bad, shots were fired from a van at Sarto Street and Cambridge Avenue in Carlisle.

Shots were fired from a van at Sarto Street and Cambridge Avenue in Carlisle.Sheriff David Taylor said the violence stemmed from a dispute between gangs in Union and Carlisle.A vehicle deputies said was connected to the shooting was pulled over at Highways 215 and 72 in Union County.Deputies said that the shooting was connected to drug deal last week at the Union County alternative school.
Investigtors said that 11 adults and 15 juveniles have been charged, with more arrests expected.

Former Gangster Disciples enforcer Wallace “Gator” Bradley sued a former Death Row inmate

Former Gangster Disciples enforcer Wallace “Gator” Bradley sued a former Death Row inmate today, claiming he was not paid for his services as an “urban translator.”
In a lawsuit filed in Cook County Circuit Court, Bradley says Aaron Patterson owes him $100,000 for consulting and investigative work. Patterson received a $5 million settlement from the city in a false-imprisonment lawsuit. He is back in prison on a federal weapon conviction.

Jackie Tran could remain in Canada for up to another year

Jackie Tran could remain in Canada for up to another year, with his lawyer today applying for a federal review of his deportation order.Raj Sharma, who is representing Tran, said they are seeking a review of last week’s decision by the Immigration and Refugee Board tribunal, which dismissed Tran’s appeal of the five-year-old deportation order.The Federal Court likely won’t be able to hear the review for another six months to a year, said Sharma.In the meantime, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) won’t be able to remove Tran to his native Vietnam, said spokeswoman Lisa White.“We can’t enforce (the removal order) until all levels of appeal and right to due process have been fully accorded,” she said.Last Friday, the tribunal accepted the testimony of Calgary Police Sgt. Gavin Walker and ruled that Tran is a member of an organized gang, which he denies.Tran had appealed to the tribunal on humanitarian grounds, arguing he is the sole source of support for his young sister and mother. Allegedly a member of the Fresh Off the Boat Killers, Tran was first ordered deported to his birth country on April 20, 2004, for serious criminality after being convicted of trafficking cocaine.Tran, also known as Nghia Trong Nguyen-Tran, first appeal of that decision was dismissed in January 2008.
Sharma said he believes there are sufficient grounds for the Federal Court to overturn the deportation order.“We’re really interested in Sgt. Walker’s qualification as an expert by the board — I think that is some fertile ground for us,” he said.“And, of course, the various findings that found Mr. Tran to be a member of a gang.“We’re arguing that... there are errors in this decision and the decision should not stand.”Meanwhile, CBSA are pursuing an organized criminality removal order, which will be handed to the Immigration and Refugee Board by May 1, said White, adding there is no appeal if Tran is found to be a member of a criminal group. Within the next 30 days, Tran’s legal team expects to file a record with the Federal Court that contains their arguments.Tran is currently released with conditions.

Marcel Perry, suspected of being a member of the Acorn drug gang in West Oakland is scheduled to enter a plea May 4 to charges he killed a 16-year-old

Marcel Perry, 20, is charged with murder and the sentencing enhancement clause that the killing was gang-related in the slaying of Vincent ScottMarcel Perry, suspected of being a member of the Acorn drug gang in West Oakland is scheduled to enter a plea May 4 to charges he killed a 16-year-old rival with an assault rifle in November, authorities said Friday.Sgt. Gus Galindo said Friday that Perry, who has been in custody on an unrelated gun charge since Jan. 6, has admitted his involvement in the killing.Scott, a Fairfield resident who grew up in West Oakland, was shot Nov. 20, while driving in the 3100 block of San Pablo Avenue. The car then crashed into a building. Scott died of his wounds Nov. 22.Galindo said Perry claimed to be an associate of the Acorn gang but officers with the police gang unit say he is a member.Galindo said police have information that Scott was associated with the Ghost Town gang that claims turf in another part of West Oakland. He said the killing was another deadly incident in a long-standing, violence-filled rivalry between the gangs.In June, Oakland police conducted massive raids in West Oakland and other cities that led to the arrest and charging of more than 50 people suspected to be Acorn members. Perry was not arrested in those raids.Galindo said that after Scott was killed, police got information from people familiar with the rivalry and physical evidence — he
would not say what — that led to Perry being considered a possible suspect.
Galindo and his partner, Sgt. John Parkinson, built their case against Perry until they were ready to interview him April 7. He was brought from Santa Rita Jail, where he was being held on a February gun charge to police headquarters, where he was interviewed and made his incriminating admissions, Galindo said.Galindo said the assault rifle used to kill Scott has not been recovered.Perry is now being held without bail at Santa Rita Jail

Jury will decide whether to sentence Patrick Albert Byers Jr., who ordered the hit while incarcerated on murder charges, to death.

Jury will decide whether to sentence Patrick Albert Byers Jr., who ordered the hit while incarcerated on murder charges, to death. His co-defendant, Frank Keith Goodman, acted as Byers' agent on the outside and faces life in prison; he will be sentenced July 17. Both men are 23. Lackl's mother and his longtime girlfriend sobbed as the guilty verdict was read. "Carl wins, God bless America," his stepfather said on the way out of the courtroom. The late afternoon verdict came as surprise at the end of the day and was read before supporters of Byers and Goodman had a chance to reach the U.S. District Court House.
Byers' face remained unchanged as the foreman repeated the word "guilty" again and again, with few of the jury members looking his way. He was found guilty on all counts having to do with Lackl's murder as well as on a count of being a felon in possession of a handgun. The jury found him not guilty on a ninth count of using a gun in an unrelated drug trafficking crime. Goodman was found guilty of seven counts, involving Lackl's death. He rubbed a hand across his face as the decision was announced, and shook his head, muttering to himself. Later, he rested his face in his hands. "I'm disappointed," Goodman's attorney, Christopher Davis said. "There are no winners, everyone's hurt in this case. It's sad." A spokeswoman for the Maryland U.S. Attorney's office declined to comment. On March 4, 2006, Lackl picked Byers out of a police photo array as the man he saw running earlier that day, gun in hand, from an East Baltimore murder scene. Larry Haynes, who was suspected of killing Byers' cousins, had been shot eight times. Byers was arrested later that month, and Lackl was scheduled to testify against him in Baltimore City Circuit Court. But eight days before that trial was set to begin on July 10, 2007, the 38-year-old father was executed in front of his Baltimore County home. He'd been lured out of the house by the killers, who told him they were interested in buying a car he was selling, then shot him three times at close range. Investigators linked eight people to the murder, with Byers at the helm. After he mistakenly received a court document containing Lackl's address, Byers offered $2,500 for the man's death. He used Goodman, with whom he had served prison time, as his go-between.

Raid targeted Inland Empire Skinheads,a white racist street gang

Raid targeted "Inland Empire Skinheads," a white racist street gang that sheriff's officials said was wanted for a myriad of race-related crimes, weapons charges, witness intimidation, home invasion robbery, murder and parole violations.The sweep took place in Hesperia, Perris and Winchester. Officials said they arrested at least one female skinhead in a hospital, where she had gone to induce labor in hopes of birthing her child on Hitler's birthday.
Arrested were Thomas Mason of Hesperia; Joseph Mason of Hesperia; Mark Goslyn of Hesperia; Carrie Goodwin of Hesperia; Ronald Proffitt of El Monte; Raymond Williams of Perris; and Jeremy Brower of Winchester.The gang was first documented in November 2002 by Riverside police. The gang's sign is two red crossed battle axes and the number "95." The 9 represents "Inland" and the 5 represents "Empire." The skinheads wear red suspenders steel toe boots with red laces, officials said,

Mexican gangs build war wagons

Mexican war wagons Powerful .50-caliber weapon bolted to the bed of a truck. Reports vary on what kind of weapon it was: Mexican Federal Police General Rodolfo Cruz said it was a .50 caliber Browning machine gun -- a Ma Deuce -- while the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms said it was an unmodified semi-automatic weapon built by U.S. manufacturer TNW Firearms. But either way, it sounds like an effort to build a "technical" -- an improvised fighting vehicle of the kind favored by Somali warlords and developing-world armies. Coverage of Mexico's drug war has become mixed up with a debate in the United States over gun control. But as the Associated Press reported yesterday, traffickers are now tooling up with more military-grade weaponry. "Stockpiles captured by Mexican soldiers show that warring traffickers are now obtaining military-grade weaponry such as grenades, launchers, machine guns, mortars and anti-tank rockets," the report said. More worryingly, some gangs have obtained military-grade explosives -- the basic ingredients for building the kind of improvised explosive devices that have proven so lethal in Iraq and Afghanistan. The cartels, however, have not necessarily mastered bomb-making skills: As Stratfor noted last year, a roadside bomb that was supposedly meant for a Mexican police official detonated prematurely, killing the bombmaker and injuring an accomplice.

Hells Angels leaders in the US have ordered shooting at Australian Comanchero members “on sight”.

Hells Angels leaders in the US have ordered their Australian counterparts to restore the gang’s tough reputation by shooting at any rival Comanchero member “on sight”, according to a report. A demand from the bikie gang’s US headquarters also specified that their Australian chapters would be banned from their annual world run next month, the Herald Sun reports.

Gunfire erupted in the food court at Eastland Mall as members of the Hidden Valley Kings gang attempted to mow down drug dealer Juan Lawrence

Gunfire erupted in the food court at Eastland Mall as members of the Hidden Valley Kings gang attempted to mow down drug dealer Juan Lawrence while shoppers at the troubled mall ducked for cover.
Later that night, still hot on Lawrence's trail, cars full of HVK gangsters traded shots with Lawrence by car, weaving in and out of traffic."There was a rolling shootout going up North Tryon Street," U.S. District Attorney Kevin Zolot told the History Channel. "They were literally driving down a main thoroughfare in Charlotte and shooting at each other. It was almost like the Wild West."According to the documentary currently airing on the History Channel about Charlotte's Hidden Valley Kings gang, after Lawrence crashed his car, gang members carrying guns hunted him street by street, at times running through people's homes. They eventually caught up to him and executed him with a high-powered rifle.high-ranking members of the Kings were eventually busted though a joint effort by the police and the FBI in 2007 was widely reported here. But the sheer size, organization and murderous tendencies of the 500-member gang laid out in the documentary was a largely untold story locally. The gang was described by police officers as having the potential to be among the biggest money makers in Charlotte with a lucrative drug trade run out of the Hidden Valley neighborhood that gang members at times protected with mounted machine guns and AK-47s.

Jackie Tran, whose deportation saga began in 2004, had his appeal denied Friday

Jackie Tran, whose deportation saga began in 2004, had his appeal denied Friday by the Immigration and Refugee Board.Tran is "disappointed" with the decision, and is considering taking advantage of his 15 days to appeal."That's something that we're definitely looking at,"said Ram Sankaran, Tran's lawyer.In the latest step of a process that has been ongoing for five years, the board concluded that Tran--whose full name is Nghia Trong Nguyen-Tran -- is a member and associate of the FOB Killers gang, referred to as FK, a factor that was held against him in the decision."His ongoing association with the members of this gang is not demonstrative of rehabilitation. It also undermines the credibility of the appellant and his witnesses' evidence regarding the genuineness of his effort to rehabilitate," reads the decision from board member Renee Miller.Tran denies belonging to the criminal gang, but admits to social contact with members.Tran's family and girlfriend have asked that he remain in Canada because he provides for them financially and acts as a link to the outside world for his mother, who speaks little English.But their pleas did not outweigh other factors, the board ruled."The benefit to the mother and sister in having the appellant remain in Canada must be weighed against the danger to the public, the seriousness of the crimes and the degree of his rehabilitation. Although the appellant himself is not a danger to the public -- as there is no evidence that he has continued his serious criminal activities which are dangerous to the public--his mere presence in Canada creates a secondary danger," wrote Miller."There is a risk that another attempt will be made on his life, while in public, creating a risk to other innocent people."Tran can still appeal Friday's decision to federal court to argue an error was made in law or fact.Tran, 26,was born in Vietnam and came here at 13, becoming a permanent resident of Canada in 1993.Tran has previously been convicted for cocaine trafficking and assault with a firearm.He has testified he started selling crack cocaine shortly after dropping out of Crescent Heights High School, where he met several known gang members, according to a transcript. He denies having gang affiliations, but said he knows people in gangs.The board notes 13 of Tran's friends or associates have either been shot or stabbed, three of them fatally. There have been two attempts on his life.Tran narrowly escaped becoming a casualty in February 2005,when gun-men from different cars shot at him as he left his girlfriend's house.After surviving another assassination attempt in 2007, Tran still refused to co-operate with police --who offered him protection--or divulge any information about the shooters.Although Tran denies ties to gangs, he admitted having dinner with the mother of two identified gang members the night before he testified at his appeal hearing. He also admitted that parents of identified gang members visited him when he was in custody in 2008.Given Tran's admissions and evidence presented by police, Miller wrote: "I conclude that the appellant is a member and associate of the FK."Calgary police say they are pleased with the board's decision."As you know, the Calgary Police Service holds the view that Mr. Tran continues to present a risk to public safety," said Acting Supt. Guy Slater.
"As long as he is present in our community, that risk will be present. We look forward to the day where that is no longer an issue."Slater said because they have identified Tran as a player in the city's gang feud, police are keen to see him out of the country for good."We are committed to ensuring public safety and we are steadfast in our pursuit of those who threaten it."Police and other agencies will continue monitoring Tran's whereabouts. He must abide by conditions placed on him by the Canada Border Services Agency.
Sankaran said his client was"disappointed" to hear of the decision.
"We take issue with certain findings," said Sankaran, pointing specifically to the reference to ongoing associations with gang members and to the police department's gang membership criteria.
Asked how Tran supports his family, Sankaran said the man has worked as a glazier for a few years.Although Tran has been portrayed as a humble worker providing for his family, last fall someone posted a $20,000 bond for his release after he was detained for missing a hearing date.His removal from the country will be carried out by the Canada Border Services Agency once all his legal options have expired."We're committed to enforcing this removal order as soon as possible," said spokeswoman Lisa White.The border agency is also working on a separate deportation order based on his association to organized crime and final submissions are due May 1.

John Phillip Hernandez was one of the main members of an organization of 23 people who purchased 339 weapons in a 15-month period.

John Phillip Hernandez was one of the main members of an organization of 23 people who purchased 339 weapons in a 15-month period. At least 40 of these weapons have been recovered in Mexico and three have been found in Guatemala, according to court documents.Hernandez was sentenced after pleading guilty in July to one count of making a false statement to a federal firearms licensee.Buying weapons is legal in Texas, but the purchaser must fill out a government form that indicates whether the purchaser plans to keep the gun for himself or give it to a third party. Hernandez claimed the guns were for himself.U.S. District Judge David Hittner said Hernandez, 26, merited a stiffer sentence. “The defendant’s actions strengthened the drug cartels by arming them with arsenals that let them continue their criminal conduct,” Hittner said, and led to the killings of eight people in Mexico.

Matthew "King Red Dog" Robey was sent to prison for ordering younger members of the gang to kill fellow gang member

Matthew "King Red Dog" Robey was sent to prison for ordering younger members of the gang to kill fellow gang member, 19-year-old Luis Quiroz, in December 2007. Quiroz was shot inside his car on Trailwood Lane and later died at UK Hospital. Latin Kings gang member was sentenced Thursday morning to a total of 21 years in prison for his part in a deadly shooting. Two others reputed gang members, Adrian Buenrostro and Isais Manual, were sentenced to three years each for their roles in the crime.

Black Guerrilla Family smuggled drugs, weapons, cell phones and luxuries into Maryland prisons, where members continued to operate the drug ring.

Black Guerrilla Family smuggled drugs, weapons, cell phones and luxuries into Maryland prisons, where members continued to operate the drug ring.The U.S. Attorney's office announced indictments Thursday against two dozen people associated with the gang.Prosecutors say the 16 men and eight women were members or associates of the Black Guerrilla Family, which is active in prisons nationwide.Prosecutors say those charged include guards and other prison employees who helped smuggle contraband.

Hell’s Angels biker gang arrests in Dominican Republic

Aurele Brouillete, apprehended last night in an exclusive residence in the tourist town Cabarete, Puerto Plata province (north). Dominican authorities arrested another Canadian member of the Hell’s Angels biker gang allegedly implicated in drug trafficking and murders in his country and who hid in Dominican soil, which brings to three the number of detainees from that country in less than 24 hours.The Drugs Control Agency identified the Canadian as Aurele Brouillete, apprehended last night in an exclusive residence in the tourist town Cabarete, Puerto Plata province (north). Brouillete’s detention occurs just hours after the arrests of the alleged Hell’s Angels Marc Readman and Steve Rainville, also in Cabarete, as part of a simultaneous sweep in Canada, Mexico, France and Dominican Republic against members of the criminal group, on charges of murdering at least 22 bikers of a rival gang.

Arrested two members of the Sangra street gang suspected in the slaying of two teens

Arrested two members of the Sangra street gang suspected in the slaying of two teens and attempted killings of four others outside a Rosemead motel room, authorities said Tuesday. Vincent Casio, 27, of El Monte, and Sean Martinez, 18, of Perris, were jailed in connection with the Saturday shooting at the Knight's Inn motel on Rosemead Boulevard, said Lt. Dan Rosenberg of the Los Angeles County sheriff's Homicide Bureau. Detectives suspect Casio and Martinez attempted to deliver speed or cocaine to a lone partygoer. Someone at the party, which occurred inside a motel room, said something that offended the killers. Detectives suspect Casio pulled out a gun. Then, "(Casio) actually corralled the males (at the party) on the balcony and opened fire," Rosenberg said. Gustavo De La Torre, 27, of Temple City and Angel Guerrero, 15, of Palmdale died at the scene of the shooting, said Jerry McKibben, an investigator with the Los Angeles County Department of Coroner. Three other teenage boys and one 18-year-old man were wounded in the shooting, Rosenberg said.The attack occurred about 2:20 a.m. at the motel which is located at 3633 Rosemead Boulevard, officials said. Guerrero and De La Torre were both pronounced dead at the scene, Pena said. Though there was underage drinking going on at the party, "Everybody appeared to be good kids," Rosenberg said. "They were not involved with gangs." Casio and Martinez were arrested with the help of tips from citizens, Rosenberg said.
Casio has been booked on suspicion of murder, while Martinez, who was a parolee-at-large, is being held for parole violations, the lieutenant said. Both are expected to be charged with murder.
According to court records, Casio and Martinez are each being held without bail.

Five Wichita gang members guilty of conspiracy to engage in racketeering and other charges.

Five Wichita gang members guilty of conspiracy to engage in racketeering and other charges.A sixth man was acquitted of murder, racketeering and conspiracy.Those convicted included Jonearl Smith, Lonnie Wade, Corey Cornelius, Darryn Frierson and Calvin Williams.The verdicts were announced Wednesday after 11 days of deliberations in the second federal case against the Crips gang being prosecuted in Kansas under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, or RICO.The jury acquitted Jermall Campbell of all but a count of unlawful possession of ammunition after a felony conviction.

Sureños gang offshoot called RAW arrests on assault charges

Demetrio Hernandez, 24, was arrested April 3 on two counts of third-degree assault and one second-degree assault charge and remains lodged in the Jackson County Jail on $500,000 bail. Juvenal Adan Vega, 23, was arrested April 3 on two counts of third-degree assault and one second-degree assault charge and remains in jail on$500,000 bail. Ramon Guadalupe Rodriguez, 19, was arrested April 8 on charges of second- and third-degree assault, and he, too remains in jail on $500,000 bail.Police are looking for another suspect, Orlando James Chavez, 24."Citizens and victims are getting involved and we are arresting and prosecuting suspects," Budreau said.Another suspected gang-related fight was reported at about 8:20 p.m. April 7 at Winco, 251 E. Barnett Road, Medford. All the people involved in the fight left before police arrived, but officers were summoned to Rogue Valley Medical Center where a 16-year-old boy was being treated for injuries he received in the fight. The teen told authorities that rival gang members confronted him, then attacked him as he left the store. The suspects are alleged to be Sureños. The case remains under investigation, police said."It's important that we don't have a tolerance for this," Budreau said.Medford police track increased gang activity through the number of calls they receive that could be gang-related. While they consider this the best indicator, they also document suspected gang members using Department of Justice criteria. Jackson County's list now includes 55 documented gang members, including members of Norteños and Sureños, which are two Hispanic gangs with roots in the California prison system, as well as Crips and Juggalos.Sureños gang offshoot called RAW were arrested on assault charges stemming from an attack on an Ashland man at the Rogue Valley Mall food court Saturday.The attack, which one of the suspects told investigators was sparked because the teens didn't like the way the man looked at them, was the third assault in recent weeks that Medford police have linked to possible gang activity."We are seeing a spike in gang activity, but we don't think it will continue because we are arresting the suspects," Medford police Detective Sgt. Mike Budreau said. "We think quick enforcement action will stop it."Two 17-year-old boys and a 15-year-old boy were arrested on third-degree assault and disorderly conduct charges and lodged in the Jackson County juvenile detention center after the incident at the mall, police said.The 29-year-old Ashland man reported that he was eating at the food court with his wife and child when three boys wearing blue bandanas approached him, asked him what was up and made a hand gesture. He said they began hitting him until mall security intervened and called police at about 1:45 p.m. Saturday.Security officers detained the 15-year-old boy until police arrived to arrest him, but the two older boys fled. Officers caught up with one of the 17-year-olds on Court Street, near Ohio Street. Witnesses pointed out the second 17-year-old later on East Jackson Street near Bartlett Street, and he was arrested, too.
Investigators have linked the three teens with a Sureños gang offshoot called RAW, an acronym for Ready and Willing, Budreau said.
Sureños gang members and RAW associates in particular are suspected in an upsurge in assaults that started in late March, he said. Typically, groups of gang members target a suspected rival when he is alone, Budreau said. Attacks by groups of people garner third-degree assault charges."Gangs are always rivals and it starts a back-and-forth where they try to one-up one another," Budreau said, noting that police saw a similar pattern of escalating violence in early 2008 with fights, stabbings and finally a drive-by shooting in which no one was injured.At about 9:45 p.m. March 22, a 21-year-old Medford man was attacked by at least four men who hit him with their fists and with metal bars or bats, police said. The victim, who police suspect might have connections to a Norteños gang, had his jaw broken and was treated at Providence Medford Medical Center, Budreau said.Police have arrested three men in connection with that assault and all are suspected of being affiliated with RAW.

Cody William Bates, 24, pleaded guilty through defence lawyer David Chow on Tuesday to manslaughter using a firearm in the slaying of Ali Khamis.

Cody William Bates, 24, pleaded guilty through defence lawyer David Chow on Tuesday to manslaughter using a firearm in the slaying of Ali Khamis.In an agreed statement of facts read into court, Bates admitted he and two others went to the Shawnessy Community Centre with a sawed-off, single-shot, 12-gauge shotgun to set up the 31-year-old victim up for a drugs purchase and rob him.Justin Gittens, 25, and Jason Woods, 21, also face manslaughter charges in connection with the late-night incident on June 6, 2006.Both co-accused said the loaded gun was to be used in the heist and that it accidentally fired, hitting Khamis in the face, when Gittens was sliding it out of his sleeve.Crown prosecutor Vicky Faulkner, reading from the facts, said "shooting Khamis was not part of the robbery plan."She said the plan was concocted because Khamis had previously told Woods he did not like Bates selling drugs in his territory and indicated he was going to rob Bates."Woods was concerned for the safety of Bates and advised Bates that Ali Khamis was planning to rob him," said Faulkner. "Bates decided that he would rob the victim first."Bates, she said, did not know Khamis personally and had never met him before.Chow and prosecutors Patricia Yelle and Faulkner will make their sentencing arguments to Court of Queen's Bench Justice Neil Wittmann on June 15

Curtis Brown, 26, died March 29 in the parking lot of the McDonald's/Circle K on Lake Bradford Road after he was shot during a gun battle

Curtis Brown, 26, died March 29 in the parking lot of the McDonald's/Circle K on Lake Bradford Road after he was shot during a gun battle between the Holton Street or West Side gang and the North Side gang. The shooting broke out about 4:30 a.m. that Sunday, scattering a crowd of about 150 people.Family members have said Brown, who was not a gang member, was shot in the back of the head at close range. They suspect he was targeted. Leon County deputies said Brown was an innocent bystander.Hundreds of people in the packed sanctuary of the St. Mark Primitive Baptist Church, 5820 N. Monroe St., waved their arms in the air, clapped and danced to the booming gospel music the choir and live band played throughout the two-hour funeral.Several sitting in the pews had to be fanned by ushers as they were overcome with emotion.The grandmother of 15-year-old Michael Jackson, slain in a gang-related shootout on Holton Street more than one year ago, served as an usher.The funeral began with an open casket. Family and friends, many of whom wore white and gold to match Brown's suit and tie, waited in line to walk up to Brown and say their goodbyes. The cover of the funeral programs they were given showed drawings of doves carrying olive branches next to a picture of a tough-looking Brown. He's giving the camera a menacing look, and his shirt appears to say "win or die."The aunt of Brown's 18-year-old brother, Rakeem Edmond, spoke on Edmond's behalf, since Edmond is incarcerated at the Leon County Jail on several charges, including aggravated battery on a law-enforcement officer and fleeing and eluding."If it was his way, he would be here," she said, as the band played "My Heart Will Go On." "He told my daughter, 'If I had to come in handcuffs, I would come.' But they didn't want him to come."
The Rev. Gregory James, who presided over the funeral, said what happened to Brown will serve as a cautionary tale to young people.
"Yes, there's sadness that we're experiencing, but there's joy," he said. "Because if Hump's life is the life that's being sacrificed to bring about peace in our community, putting away violence in the community, then we know that this life was a life glorified by God."
The Rev. Chris Burney urged the young people in the audience to make a better life for themselves."You don't have to follow in the footsteps of your no-good daddy," Burney said. "If you really want to show who you are, get up and go to work, get an education, make an honest living, have respect for one another."

Raymond Campos is wanted for attempted murder of a police officer.

Monterey County Sheriff's deputy has been released from a Bay Area trauma center after police say a known gang member attempted to kill him.Salinas Police report that just before 8 p.m. Friday, a deputy and a Salinas police officer assigned to the Monterey County Joint Gang Task Force attempted to contact Raymond Campos, a known gang member, in the parking lot of 57 Natividad Road, Salinas.
While the officers were approaching, police say, Campos accelerated his vehicle backwards, knocking the deputy to the ground.
Campos then accelerated forward and the Salinas police officer fired his handgun to protect himself and his injured partner, police said. Campos fled in his vehicle, which police said was located minutes later abandoned in the area of Highway 101 and Market Street. Campos escaped and is wanted for attempted murder of a police officer. The deputy was flown to a Bay Area hospital, where he was treated for a broken collarbone and separated shoulder before being released.

Cuatro Flats Gang leader admits shooting at bondsmen

Arthur Basaldua pleaded guilty this week in New Iberia to attempted murder of Valerie King of Breaux Bridge and Eddie Mackenzie of Youngsville, and to state drug charges from 2004. Sentencing is scheduled June 3.On Wednesday, a federal judge is to sentence Basaldua and eight others indicted with him last year on drug charges. Prosecutors said they were linked to the Cuatro Flats gang of east Los Angeles.He was the first of 5 to plead guilty; the others were convicted Jan. 29.Basaldua admitted one count of continuing criminal enterprise, which carries a minimum 20-year sentence.

Shootings were planned and executed by members of the Sureno 13 gang, also known as SUR 13.

Shootings were planned and executed by members of the Sureno 13 gang, also known as SUR 13.William VanEyck, 24, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a .357 Magnum revolver and using it to commit one of the shootings. He will serve four and a half years in prison.Gonzalo Venegas, 22, the gang’s operational leader, will serve three years and one month after he pleaded guilty to the same possession charge and admitted he frequently drove the vehicle and supplied the weapon to be used.Rigoberto Rubio-Castillo, 22, admitted to taking possession of a stolen Norinco rifle and providing it to Venegas for safe-keeping and will serve four years.
No one was injured in the shootings.

Jonathan Cabrera, 27, was arrested on charges of murder and attempted murder

Jonathan Cabrera, 27, was arrested on charges of murder and attempted murder after he allegedly fired numerous shots striking 20-year-old Rodrigo Vasquez and 31-year-old Samuel Castro last week outside La Escondida, 5524 14th Street W. Vasquez died a few hours later after he was taken to Bayfront Medical Center in St. Petersburg. Castro remains in critical condition at Tampa General Hospital. He had surgery Friday. Cabrera told detectives he turned himself in after reading about the shootings in the Bradenton Herald. He went to a sheriff’s office substation located in Oneco to contact authorities.When questioned about the shootings, he said he didn’t pull the trigger.At about 1 a.m. April 4, there were about five men inside the nightclub, including Cabrera, Castro and Vasquez, who were acquaintances. Cabrera allegedly became upset with one of the men because he did not like one of the people in the bar. He reportedly kicked the chair of Albert Morales, who he was upset with, and said, “Let’s take it outside,” according to the report. Morales and Cabrera went outside to fight in the parking lot, with people in the bar following. The five men began walking to their cars parked next door at Value Pawn. Cabrera went to a gold Nissan Maxima and emerged with a firearm. He reportedly opened fire, striking two of the men and several buildings, then left, the reports said.Cabrera told detectives he had nothing to do with the shootings and left after the argument. He told authorities he has no idea who the Maxima belongs to. Vasquez’s death marks the 11th homicide in Manatee County this year. Six of those cases remain without arrests. Last year, there were a total of 17 homicides. Cabrera, who is a documented member of the SUR-13 gang, was arrested twice for attempted murder in gang related cases in 2002 and 2006, according to documents. In both cases, the shootings were against a rival gang.In this latest case, the shooting is believe by detectives to involve gang affiliates. Castro is friends with Cabrera, according to Castro’s relatives. The men also share criminal history together, according to documents. Castro and Cabrera were in a white Mercedes Benz when Cabrera reportedly fired 10 .40 caliber shots at another vehicle in a drive-by gang shooting in 2002, according to documents. A man in the other car was shot in the ribs, according to the warrant charging Cabrera with attempted murder in 2002 filed by Bradenton Police Department. In another case, in 2006 Cabrera allegedly fired a shotgun at a rival gang member in Eastside Crips, according to the warrant.The State Attorney’s Office declined filing charges in the previous cases because witnesses were not cooperative and there was not enough evidence.

Steed Dennis, 30, of Wichita Falls, pled guilty in February to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm

Steed Dennis, 30, of Wichita Falls, pled guilty in February to one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and is scheduled to be sentenced in June. On January 9, 2009, Dennis was stopped in his vehicle by a Wichita Falls Police Officer. The officer, who knew Dennis to be a known member of Puro Lil Mafia of Wichita Falls, and a convicted felon, was in possession of a .22 caliber firearm in his vehicle. According to documents filed in Court, the Officer also observed Frederick Trujillo, also a known member of Puro Lil Mafia, in the back seat of the vehicle.Dennis Bachman, Chief of the Wichita Falls Police Department, said, “These arrested persons have posed a danger to the city for some time. We're happy to support the Safe Streets Task Force with the cooperation of all agencies involved. We expect these partnerships to continue and believe the result will be safer communities in Wichita Falls.”
In one indictment, Edward Buck Izaguirre, Miguel Antonio Martinez and Joe McDonald are charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. In addition, Izaguirre is charged with one count of possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, possession of a firearm during and in relation to a drug trafficking crime, and two counts of felon in possession of a firearm.Other separate indictments returned this week charge Jessie James Greek with two counts of felon in possession of a firearm. Andrew Cecil Harris, Jose Skinner, Anthony Merito, James Frederick Trujillo, and Jason Grantham are each charged with one count of felon in possession of a firearm. In addition, Harris, is charged with one count of felon in possession of ammunition.In other separate indictments, Hugo Lopez is charged with one count of possession of a firearm by an illegal alien. Betty Bustillos is charged with two counts of making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm. Wesley Swick is charged with one count of possession of a stolen firearm or ammunition.An indictment is an accusation by a federal grand jury and a defendant is entitled to the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty. However, upon conviction, the felon in possession of a firearm, felon in possession of ammunition, possession of stolen firearm or ammunition, possession of a firearm by an illegal alien, and making a false statement during the purchase of a firearm counts each carry a maximum statutory sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine, upon conviction. The conspiracy count carries a statutory sentence of not less than five nor more than 40 years in prison, upon conviction. The possession of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence charge carries a mandatory five year penalty, to run consecutive to any other imposed sentence.

West Drive Locos gang is very heavy into murder

West Drive Locos, now with about 60 members, takes its name from a main north-south street through a tough neighborhood in the middle of the city.Police say the gang's reputed founder, Emilio Avalos, came to the desert from the San Fernando Valley shortly before the gang's founding.“He brought some of the background and knowledge of the L.A. gangs he knew out there to form the gang as we know it today,” Monis said.Avalos, 31, is currently jailed awaiting a May murder trial for the Dec. 19, 2001, drive-by slaying of Marine Cpl. Henry Lozano, 20, in Desert Hot Springs. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.Lozano was dating Avalos' ex-girlfriend. As Lozano left his girlfriend's home on Third Street, Avalos was lying in wait in a car at the corner, police say. As Lozano turned to head north on Palm Drive, slowing for a drainage channel in an intersection, Avalos allegedly pulled alongside Lozano's Ford Focus and riddled it with gunfire.The Marine's death shocked and outraged the community. Though Avalos was suspected, police were unable to pin the case to him.At the urging of Lozano's parents, then county deputy district attorney Rod Pacheco pushed to reopen the Lozano murder case in 2006, which led to the arrest of Avalos.
“The West Drive Locos gang is very heavy into murder,” said Pacheco, who took office as district attorney in 2007.“They're very, very dangerous. That's a gang we talked about going after from the beginning.”But they're not alone.Police say Desert Hot Springs and the surrounding area is now home to at least six gangs. And the conflicts and rivalries between them have left city residents in the crossfire.Desert Hot Springs for years has had among the highest per capita violent crime rates for cities of under 100,000 population in Riverside and San Bernardino counties, according to statistics kept by the FBI.Auto thefts in Desert Hot Springs were up 13.6 percent in 2007 compared to 2006.“Auto theft and dope-dealing are two of the primary things gangs do to sustain themselves,” Police Chief Patrick Williams said.“We have to turn a corner, and that's through getting these violent crooks off the street.”By the fall of 2007, West Drive Locos gang members were brazenly making their presence known in a city neighborhood's centerpiece.Park becomes a base for crimeGuy J. Tedesco park opened with fanfare and a rededication ceremony on Sept. 22, 2007. Desert Hot Springs city officials had put $3 million into renovations at the park, bordered by east and west Arroyo Drive.The park fast became a popular spot for kids to bicycle, skateboard and play basketball; for parents to barbecue as their smaller children played on the new playground equipment.West Drive Locos members also discovered the sparkling new park. Within weeks it became the the gang's “corporate headquarters, for all intents and purposes,” Daniels said.The gang spray-painted its graffiti on the park's sign, forcing city officials to spend days scrubbing it away.
“That pissed me off,” Daniels said.Worse problems were soon to come.
On Nov. 17, 2007, a teenager jumped out of a car on Flora Avenue west of the park. He ran to the park's edge, a semi-automatic pistol in hand.He fired 13 rounds at seven people seated at a picnic table, then ran back to the car, which sped away.One intended victim was unharmed. He would tell police nothing. Another victim, likely shot, also left the scene. Police found a blood trail, nothing more.Monis, who served as a Desert Hot Springs police officer in the 1990s, said he wasn't surprised that the shooting victims were uncooperative.“If you're an active gang member and you're ratting on someone — even if it's a rival gang member — it's looked upon as you being a snitch,” he said. “And in the gang world, once you have a snitch label on you, you're in trouble.”It is a classic example of how gang violence escalates.
A drive-by shooting elevates the shooter's status within his gang, and the gang's reputation among the gang community. And the victims, individually and as a gang, are “punked,” having their status decreased, said Chuck Cervello, a senior D.A. investigator. He was the lead case agent and gang expert for Team DHS.
“Now you not only have to get even with that gang; you actually want to get one up on them,” Cervello said. “That's why a lot of times the violence tends to increase.“The whole reason why they do what they do is for this misled perspective of respect. They want to earn respect, and in their world, that's how they get it.”The city's multimillion-dollar Tedesco Park investment in a struggling neighborhood was intended to bring the community together and provide a place for positive activities.Within weeks it had instead become a base for crime, intimidation and terror.“It scares me to death to have this go on right outside our front door,” said Flora Avenue resident Elizabeth Cunningham the day after the 2007 park shooting. Cunningham lives fewer than 100 yards from Tedesco Park with her three children.
Gang members surrounded the house. Inside they expected to find a rival gang's drugs and money.They shot their way in.More than 30 shots were fired, police later determined, both inside and outside the house in a neighborhood between Ironwood Drive and Two Bunch Palms Trail.Blood spattered the walls and pooled on the floor, but police found no one inside.The violent scene unfolded at 4:30p.m. in the middle of a residential neighborhood in the fall of 2007. No one — not a single neighbor — called 911.Desert Hot Springs City Manager Rick Daniels, on the job for about six weeks, said that's when he realized the pervasiveness of the gang problem in his community, and how citizens were gripped with fear.“The people are afraid to call the cops; they're afraid to put a stop to this,” he said. “And there are bullets flying around in residential neighborhoods.”The West Drive Locos street gang had a three-year head start on police in Desert Hot Springs. The gang formed in 1994; the city police force in 1997.The great economy and affordable housing that brought a population boom to the Coachella Valley in the 1990s also brought criminal street gangs.“The Coachella Valley gang scene is very heavily influenced by the entire L.A. area,” said Ryan Monis, a senior investigator with the Riverside County District Attorney's Office and part of Team DHS, the investigators and prosecutors who carried out the eight-month gang mission.
“As people moved out here because of the housing prices compared to Los Angeles and Orange County, obviously you bring some of that (gang) element with you,” he said.Desert Hot Springs, with the valley's lowest rents, pervasive unemployment and poverty, was fertile ground for gangs to flourish.The West Drive Locos, now with about 60 members, takes its name from a main north-south street through a tough neighborhood in the middle of the city.Police say the gang's reputed founder, Emilio Avalos, came to the desert from the San Fernando Valley shortly before the gang's founding.
“He brought some of the background and knowledge of the L.A. gangs he knew out there to form the gang as we know it today,” Monis said.
Avalos, 31, is currently jailed awaiting a May murder trial for the Dec. 19, 2001, drive-by slaying of Marine Cpl. Henry Lozano, 20, in Desert Hot Springs. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty.Lozano was dating Avalos' ex-girlfriend. As Lozano left his girlfriend's home on Third Street, Avalos was lying in wait in a car at the corner, police say. As Lozano turned to head north on Palm Drive, slowing for a drainage channel in an intersection, Avalos allegedly pulled alongside Lozano's Ford Focus and riddled it with gunfire.The Marine's death shocked and outraged the community. Though Avalos was suspected, police were unable to pin the case to him.At the urging of Lozano's parents, then county deputy district attorney Rod Pacheco pushed to reopen the Lozano murder case in 2006, which led to the arrest of Avalos.“The West Drive Locos gang is very heavy into murder,” said Pacheco, who took office as district attorney in 2007.“They're very, very dangerous. That's a gang we talked about going after from the beginning.”But they're not alone.Police say Desert Hot Springs and the surrounding area is now home to at least six gangs. And the conflicts and rivalries between them have left city residents in the crossfire.Desert Hot Springs for years has had among the highest per capita violent crime rates for cities of under 100,000 population in Riverside and San Bernardino counties, according to statistics kept by the FBI.Auto thefts in Desert Hot Springs were up 13.6 percent in 2007 compared to 2006.“Auto theft and dope-dealing are two of the primary things gangs do to sustain themselves,” Police Chief Patrick Williams said.“We have to turn a corner, and that's through getting these violent crooks off the street.”By the fall of 2007, West Drive Locos gang members were brazenly making their presence known in a city neighborhood's centerpiece.Park becomes a base for crime.Guy J. Tedesco park opened with fanfare and a rededication ceremony on Sept. 22, 2007. Desert Hot Springs city officials had put $3 million into renovations at the park, bordered by east and west Arroyo Drive.
The park fast became a popular spot for kids to bicycle, skateboard and play basketball; for parents to barbecue as their smaller children played on the new playground equipment.West Drive Locos members also discovered the sparkling new park. Within weeks it became the the gang's “corporate headquarters, for all intents and purposes,” Daniels saidThe gang spray-painted its graffiti on the park's sign, forcing city officials to spend days scrubbing it away.
“That pissed me off,” Daniels said.Worse problems were soon to come.
On Nov. 17, 2007, a teenager jumped out of a car on Flora Avenue west of the park. He ran to the park's edge, a semi-automatic pistol in hand.He fired 13 rounds at seven people seated at a picnic table, then ran back to the car, which sped away.One intended victim was unharmed. He would tell police nothing. Another victim, likely shot, also left the scene. Police found a blood trail, nothing more.Monis, who served as a Desert Hot Springs police officer in the 1990s, said he wasn't surprised that the shooting victims were uncooperative.“If you're an active gang member and you're ratting on someone — even if it's a rival gang member — it's looked upon as you being a snitch,” he said. “And in the gang world, once you have a snitch label on you, you're in trouble.”It is a classic example of how gang violence escalates.A drive-by shooting elevates the shooter's status within his gang, and the gang's reputation among the gang community. And the victims, individually and as a gang, are “punked,” having their status decreased, said Chuck Cervello, a senior D.A. investigator. He was the lead case agent and gang expert for Team DHS.
“Now you not only have to get even with that gang; you actually want to get one up on them,” Cervello said. “That's why a lot of times the violence tends to increase.“The whole reason why they do what they do is for this misled perspective of respect. They want to earn respect, and in their world, that's how they get it.”
The city's multimillion-dollar Tedesco Park investment in a struggling neighborhood was intended to bring the community together and provide a place for positive activities.Within weeks it had instead become a base for crime, intimidation and terror.“It scares me to death to have this go on right outside our front door,” said Flora Avenue resident Elizabeth Cunningham the day after the 2007 park shooting. Cunningham lives fewer than 100 yards from Tedesco Park with her three children.A recent study showed Desert Hot Springs needed 38 to 42 officers to effectively police the city. Going into 2008, the police department had 19 able bodies.As gang violence and crime escalated, officials began squeezing the budget to increase police staffing.Williams also worked on collaborative initiatives with other agencies, including county gang and drug task forces and having the California Highway Patrol increase traffic patrols.The efforts took the number of police patrol vehicles on the streets in the city to an all-time high.That didn't sit well with the West Drive Locos.On the night of May 26, a Desert Hot Springs police officer followed a BMW along Cactus Drive, believing a wanted gang member was inside.According to police, near First Street the car slowed. Alleged West Drive member Francisco “Poncho” Salcido got out and fired on the officer as the car sped away.The officer fired back, but neither was hit.Salcido escaped, but was arrested two days later following a police manhunt.Police at the time continued the search for another alleged West Drive member wanted in another shooting incident, Anthony “Clumsy” Paez.Two days after Salcido's arrest, officers in a California Highway Patrol vehicle on May 30 on Cactus Drive spotted a car with three young men inside, none wearing their seatbelts. The officers at the time didn't know that one of the occupants was Paez.The CHP officers followed the car as its path became more erratic. As the gang members tried to speed away into the night, the officers pursued.Two passengers in the car leaned out the windows with shotguns and fired on the CHP officers, who returned fire.One of the car's occupants, Alexis Melendrez-Acosta, 18, of Desert Hot Springs was shot in the head during the exchange of gunfire. He was pronounced dead at Desert Regional Medical Center the next day.
Paez and a 15-year-old boy ran from the car into a house on Via El Rancho, just south of the city.The gang members continued to trade gunfire with police from the home. The standoff ended hours later, about 4 a.m., when the pair gave up after tear gas was fired into the building.Paez was treated for multiple gunshot wounds. He remains jailed awaiting trial for attempted murder of a peace officer, felony grand theft auto and felony evading police.The juvenile, Edgar Antonio Flores, now 16, is being tried as an adult on two counts of attempted murder.Within a one-week period, West Drive Locos gang members had been in three gun battles with police.“It was extremely disconcerting,” Mayor Yvonne Parks said.
“Gangs were getting out of control. They were getting arrogant. It was in-your-face gang activity.“There was a realization something had to be done.”She wasn't alone.“When the shootings started happening on the officers,” Daniels said, “that's when I thought, ‘This has just escalated to where no one is safe.'”