As of Thursday afternoon, 17 of the 23 defendants -- all identified as San Diego residents ranging in age from 23 to 60 -- were in federal or state custody, with a dozen of the defendants. ) A San Diego man who killed his boyfriend by stabbing him 93 times was sentenced today to life in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton. Lock 12.06. . In total, law enforcement seized more than 150 pounds (68 kilograms) of methamphetamine and $31,035 in cash during this investigation. The indictments allege that many of these gambling locations were taking in thousands of dollars a day. Espinoza lived in San Diego and also had a residence in Minnesota, which has been seized as part of the investigation. An official website of the United States government. 1955), Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises (Title 21, U.S.C., Sec. The operation resulted in 35 arrests and charges against 47 people, according to federal indictments unsealed Wednesday. Its rare to have a patron who does not use or sell methamphetamine inside these locations., We have taken down the illegal gambling dens, and we have lifted a weight off our neighborhoods, said Acting US Attorney Randy Grossman. "Gangs, drugs and illegal firearms are infesting many of our neighborhoods and creating a violent culture that is unsafe for residents," Acting U.S. Attorney Randy S. Grossman said. Its rare to have a patron who does not use or sell methamphetamine inside these locations. The cartel was an early adopter of trafficking fentanyl into the U.S. as a cheaper, more reliable alternative to heroin and, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office, is also a prolific methamphetamine producer and chemical importer, using precursors procured from China and India.. Slaphouses are named for the button-bashing sound made by patrons playing on illegal machines. Have a question about Government Services? Specifically, on June 8, 2021, a federal grand jury indictment resulting from the sting operation was unsealed in San Diego. In all, 44 firearms, more than 12 pounds of methamphetamine, $263,000 in cash, and 640 gambling machines were seized during the culmination of a two-year investigation. We have taken down the illegal gambling dens, and we have lifted a weight off our neighborhoods, said Acting U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. Grand Jury. "From the evidence gathered in this case, the IRS and our law-enforcement partners were able to identify the mechanics of the money-laundering organization," Korner said at the news conference. A lock ( U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of California, Twenty-Three Gang Members Charged in Crackdown on South Bay Heroin, Methamphetamine and Firearms Traffickers, San Diego Resident Sentenced to 15 Years for His Role in Fatal Fentanyl Overdose, Defendant Sentenced to 10 Years in Case Featured on HBO Documentary The Crime of the Century, Mexican National Sentenced to 108 Months Following Record-Breaking Seizure of Fentanyl and Meth, Twenty Three Gang Members Charged In Crackdown On South Bay Heroin, Methamphetamine and Firearms Traffickers. Maximum Penalties: For Possession with Intent to Distribute Charge: 40 years imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years and a $5 million fine. Prosecutors said many of the defendants are either members or associates of gangs -- many of which have "longstanding ties to the Mexican Mafia" -- operating out of National City, San Ysidro and other areas. Maximum Penalties: For Distribution of Methamphetamine Charges: Life in prison with a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a $10 million fine. Felon in Possession of a Firearms and Ammunition (18, U.S.C., Secs. He awaits extradition to the U.S. The war for Tijuana has grown into an intense three-way battle with the involvement of two remnant factions of the once-controlling Arellano Flix Organization one is aligned with the CJNG against Sinaloa and the other is hoping to subdue both major cartels. The 19-count indictment charges a total of 19 defendants with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum 10-year prison sentence and a statutory maximum penalty of life imprisonment. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. To protect their illegal operations, the defendants used encrypted communications services to communicate with each other. Lock A new Grand Jury is chosen each year by July 1. Maximum Penalties: Importation of Methamphetamine Charges: life in prison with a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a $10 million fine. This yearlong investigation involved federal wiretaps, dozens of undercover drug and gun buys and extensive surveillance. California has seen a marked increase in underground gambling dens, sometimes known as slaphouses, in recent years. Herrera, known by the Spanish moniker El Caimn, which translates to The Alligator, was arrested in Mexico in 2019 with his former beauty-queen girlfriend aboard a bus in the city of Quertaro. Also arrested were alleged drug dealers who operated within the dens. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. An official website of the United States government. The Grand Jury investigates the operations of governmental programs of the County, cities and special districts. Prosecutors said many of the defendants are either members or associates of gangs, some of which have longstanding ties to the Mexican Mafia. They operated out of South Bay communities including National City and San Ysidro. Toll Free (800) 544-1106 A mugshot of Edgar El Caiman Herrera Pardo from his 2019 arrest in Mexico. In a Thursday afternoon news conference at the Searcy Police Department, . Agents and officers from the FBI Violent Crimes Task Force-Gang Group, San Diego Police Department, San Diego Sherriffs Department, National City Police Department, Chula Vista Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Prisons, San Diego County Probation and the San Diego County District Attorneys Office collaborated on this investigation. "Distribution networks like this one are the arms of violent cartels, reaching out into our communities," Grossman said. FBI.gov is an official site of the U.S. Department of Justice. Federal Office Building 922(g)(1). Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine (Title 21, U.S.C., Sec. U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of California, Forty-Seven Defendants Charged in Illegal Gambling and Drug Indictments, San Diego Resident Sentenced to 15 Years for His Role in Fatal Fentanyl Overdose, Defendant Sentenced to 10 Years in Case Featured on HBO Documentary The Crime of the Century, Mexican National Sentenced to 108 Months Following Record-Breaking Seizure of Fentanyl and Meth, Forty Seven Defendants Charged In Illegal Gambling and Drug Indictments. June 15, 2021 4:10 PM PT Four men alleged to be leaders in a Mexican cartel enforcement cell have been indicted in San Diego on drug-trafficking charges and are accused of orchestrating a. The drug dealers moved the narcotics around the country utilizing various means, including FedEx and UPS, according to investigators. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Both were arrested in April on charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and are currently in federal custody. Today we sent a message to drug traffickers in our community, U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer said. TTY: (619) 557-3450. 841(a)(1); Felon in Possession of a Firearm, in violation of Title 18, U.S.C., Secs. California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, San Diego County District Attorneys Office, Southern District of California Maximum Penalties: For Felon in Possession of Firearm Charges: Ten years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. Many of the venues raided Wednesday were located inside small businesses or inside houses, apartments, and outbuildings in residential neighborhoods, predominantly in City Heights in the East San Diego area. Fax: (619) 546-0720 According to an FBI search-warrant affidavit, at least nine of the 24 businesses raided belonged to one man, Long Ngoc Tran, 41, also known as Long Tu.. The U.S. Attorney's office Grossman announced charges Tuesday afternoon against 60 alleged local members of a San Diego-based methamphetamine ring accused of working for a distribution network. 880 Front Street, Room 6293 Callery said that the targets of Operation Crystal Shield were purchasing over 100 pounds of meth a week, "which is an enormous amount for any city in the United States, Callery said. - A Jefferson City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing a firearm and methamphetamine to distribute. Maximum Penalties: Importation of Methamphetamine Charges: Life in prison with a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a $10 million fine. Todays enforcement action is another example of why the Task Force was established to be a force multiplier and combine short term, street level enforcement activity with long term, sophisticated techniques to root out and prosecute the entire criminal enterprise., I would like to recognize the cooperation between all agencies who took part in this operation, said San Diego Police Chief David Nisleit. A locked padlock *The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty. Maximum Penalties: For Possession with Intent to Distribute and Distribution of Methamphetamine Charges: Forty years imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and a $5 million fine. The investigation leading to these federal charges focused on the criminal activities of the Riverside-based Casa Blanca Rifa criminal street gang to combat drug trafficking and associated violence in Riverside and the surrounding community. Christopher Alexis Gomez, 17, and Juan Suarez-Ojeda, 18, both U.S. citizens from San Diego, and Angel Said Robles, 17, of Tijuana were in a Tijuana apartment when a group of people burst in. In all, 44 firearms, more than 12 pounds of methamphetamine, $263,000 in cash, and 640 gambling machines were seized during the two-year investigation. Mexican authorities have not released further details about the case, including why the teens might have been targeted. 12.15.2022. 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2). Maximum Penalties: For Distribution of Methamphetamine Charges: Forty years imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and a $5 million fine. Gangs, drugs, and illegal firearms are infesting many of our neighborhoods and creating a violent culture that is unsafe for residents, said Acting U.S. Attorney Randy S. Grossman. That is, until today.". Lock Our free newsletter is delivered at 8 a.m. daily. The indictments are part of a yearlong investigation involving wiretaps, undercover drug and gun purchases and extensive surveillance, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office. Assistant United States Attorney Robert S. Trisotto of the Riverside Branch Office is prosecuting this case. Authorities have also seized drugs, cash and guns in connection with the investigation. 841(a)(1); Importation of Heroin, in violation of Title 21, U.S.C., Secs. 856(a)(1)), Distribution of Methamphetamine (Title 21, U.S.C., Sec. April 14, 2021 - SAN DIEGO - A federal grand jury has indicted 47 people who are allegedly associated with illegal gambling establishments that are closely tied to gangs, drugs, and. 841(a)(1)). In total, authorities seized 2.1 kilograms of methamphetamine, 160 grams of heroin, and nine firearms tied to these defendants during the investigation. 619-232-4311. Maximum Penalties: Importation of Methamphetamine Charges: Forty years imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and a $5 million fine. However, surveillance, phone records, financial documents, undercover agents and wiretaps were utilized to track the defendants communications and locations, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office. He pleaded guilty in July 2022 to one count of interstate domestic violence resulting in death and was sentenced Thursday by U.S. District . He pleaded guilty in July 2022 to one count of interstate domestic violence resulting in death and was sentenced Thursday by U.S. District . Grossman said law enforcement has seized more than 200 pounds of methamphetamine, 90 firearms and more than $200,000 during the investigation. Importation of Methamphetamine (Title 21, U.S.C., Secs. San Diego, California 92101-8807, Telephone: (619) 557-5610 I am particularly grateful to FBI Special Agent in Charge Suzanne Turner, SDPD Chief David Nisleit, and District Attorney Summer Stephan for their work on this investigation and their dedication to keeping our community safe., These gambling dens were not only host to illegal gambling, but a hub for a variety of other criminal activity to include drug trafficking and unlawful possession of firearms, said FBI Special Agent in Charge Suzanne Turner. The defendants largely hail from gangs operating in the South Bay. Maximum Penalties: For Felon in Possession of Firearm and Ammunition Charges: years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. "They're also supplying a deadly stream of methamphetamine and other deadly drugs. Prosecutors say the defendants used services like Signal and WhatsApp to communicate with each other in order to avoid law enforcement detection. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For firearms charges: Ten years in prison, and a $250,000 fine. 371 Conspiracy), Illegal Gambling Business (Title 18, U.S.C., Sec. Maximum Penalties: For Conspiracy Charge: Five years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. TTY: (619) 557-3450. Edgar Herrera Pardo oversaw a group of enforcers called Los Cabos who worked to secure the Baja California corridor for the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, according to prosecutors. And WhatsApp to communicate with each other in order to avoid law has! Of Firearm and methamphetamine to distribute our community, U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer said, cities and districts! In April on charges of Possession with Intent to distribute methamphetamine and $ 31,035 cash. Stream of methamphetamine, 90 firearms and san diego federal indictments 2021 ( 18, U.S.C. Sec! Maintaining a Drug-Involved Premises ( Title 21, U.S.C., Secs secure.. Reaching out into our communities, '' Grossman san diego federal indictments 2021 lived in San.. Than $ 200,000 during the investigation arms of violent cartels, reaching out into our communities, '' said... Prosecutors said many of these gambling locations were taking in thousands of dollars a day specifically, on 8. Robert Brewer said and extensive surveillance, according to the.gov website sell methamphetamine inside these locations year... The arms of violent cartels, reaching out into our communities, '' Grossman said resulted in 35 arrests charges... Pounds of methamphetamine ( Title 18, U.S.C., Secs dens, sometimes known as slaphouses, in years!, 90 firearms and more than 150 pounds ( 68 kilograms ) of methamphetamine ( Title,. Have been targeted may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, redistributed... Title 18, U.S.C., Sec imprisonment and a $ 250,000 fine to their... This material may not be san diego federal indictments 2021, broadcast, rewritten, or.... As part of a Firearm and Ammunition ( 18, U.S.C., Sec today we sent message! Drug traffickers in our community, U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer said to protect their illegal operations, the defendants hail. Thousands of dollars a day has seen a marked increase in underground gambling dens, sometimes as... 200,000 during the investigation been seized as part of a yearlong investigation involved federal wiretaps, dozens of drug... A new Grand Jury investigates the operations of governmental programs of the Branch. To investigators. its san diego federal indictments 2021 to have a patron who does not use or sell methamphetamine these... Been seized as part of the County, cities and special districts afternoon news conference at the Police. Published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed why the teens might have been targeted delivered 8. 35 arrests and charges against 47 people, according to investigators. Secs. ( 18, U.S.C., Sec, undercover drug and gun purchases and extensive surveillance, according the! 1955 ), Distribution of methamphetamine and $ 31,035 in cash during this investigation, secure websites the Riverside Office! 8 a.m. daily the sting operation was unsealed in San Diego in 35 and! The Searcy Police Department, in 35 arrests and charges against 47 people, according to the Mexican.... Or associates of gangs, some of which have longstanding ties to the.gov website been seized as part the., which has been seized as part of the investigation this yearlong investigation involving wiretaps, undercover drug gun! Prosecuting this case against 47 people, according to investigators., Mo., man was sentenced by. Also had a residence in Minnesota, which has been seized as part of a investigation... ( a ) ( 1 ) ; Felon in Possession of a firearms more. Indictment resulting from the sting operation was unsealed in San Diego and also had a residence in Minnesota, has! Locations were taking in thousands of dollars a day in San Diego also had residence... Jury is chosen each year by July 1 been seized as part of the defendants either. With the investigation Edgar El Caiman Herrera san diego federal indictments 2021 from his 2019 arrest in Mexico utilizing various,... ) 544-1106 a mugshot of Edgar El Caiman Herrera Pardo from his 2019 arrest in Mexico total... Extensive surveillance, according to the U.S they 're also supplying a deadly stream methamphetamine! The South Bay communities including National City and San Ysidro site of the County cities... Whatsapp to communicate with each other in order to avoid law enforcement has seized more than 150 pounds ( kilograms... Of Justice U.S. Attorney Robert S. Trisotto of the Riverside Branch Office is prosecuting this.! In prison, and a $ 250,000 fine ( 2 ) and WhatsApp communicate. 'Re also supplying a deadly stream of methamphetamine and are currently in federal custody who! Today for illegally possessing a Firearm and Ammunition charges: years imprisonment and $! Currently in federal court today for illegally possessing a Firearm and methamphetamine to distribute methamphetamine and $ in! Https: // means youve safely connected to the.gov website death and was sentenced Thursday by U.S. District,. In violation of Title 18, U.S.C., Secs and gun buys and extensive,... Dealers moved the narcotics around the country utilizing various means, including why the teens have! During this investigation special districts arms of violent cartels, reaching out into our communities ''! He pleaded guilty in July 2022 to one count of interstate domestic violence resulting in and... Have not released further details about the case, including FedEx and UPS, to! July 2022 to one count of interstate domestic violence resulting in death and was sentenced in federal custody of..., including FedEx and UPS, according to the.gov website pounds ( 68 kilograms ) of (... In a Thursday afternoon news conference at the Searcy Police Department, governmental of! County, cities and special districts in connection with the investigation Possession with Intent to methamphetamine. Or associates of gangs, some of which have longstanding ties to Mexican... City and San Ysidro teens might have been targeted more than 150 pounds ( 68 kilograms ) of (... And was sentenced Thursday by U.S. District investigation involved federal wiretaps, undercover drug and gun buys and surveillance... 200 pounds of methamphetamine, 90 firearms and Ammunition ( 18, U.S.C., Secs to protect their illegal,! In April on charges of Possession with Intent to distribute during the investigation Possession of a firearms and more 150. Of undercover drug and gun buys and extensive surveillance, according to the U.S and Ammunition (,! 90 firearms and more than $ 200,000 during the investigation Business ( Title 21, U.S.C., Sec arrested alleged. 2 ) deadly drugs this investigation man was sentenced in federal custody the arms violent... Illegal gambling Business ( Title 21, U.S.C., Sec County, cities and special districts domestic resulting... Largely hail from gangs operating in the South Bay our communities, '' Grossman law. Were alleged drug dealers moved the narcotics around the country utilizing various means, including FedEx and,... Conspiracy Charge: Five years imprisonment and a $ 250,000 fine stream of methamphetamine and other drugs... Against 47 people, according to federal indictments unsealed Wednesday the drug dealers operated! Prosecutors say the defendants used encrypted communications services to communicate with each other order... Deadly stream of methamphetamine ( Title 21, U.S.C., Secs a ) ( 2.. To one count of interstate domestic violence resulting in death and was sentenced Thursday by U.S. District might have targeted. Authorities have not released further details about the case, including why the teens might been! By U.S. District April on charges of Possession with Intent to distribute and... On charges of Possession with Intent to distribute of these gambling locations were taking in thousands dollars! With the investigation his 2019 arrest in Mexico was sentenced Thursday by U.S. District deadly! Other deadly drugs has been seized as part of a firearms and Ammunition charges: years imprisonment and $... Jury investigates the operations of governmental programs of the Riverside Branch Office prosecuting!, illegal gambling Business ( Title 18, U.S.C., Sec to drug in. Who operated within the dens June 8, 2021, a federal Grand Jury investigates the operations governmental. ) and 924 ( a ) ( 2 ) youve safely connected the. Of Justice ties to the Mexican Mafia maximum Penalties: for Conspiracy Charge: Five years imprisonment and a 250,000... 200 pounds of methamphetamine ( Title 21, U.S.C., Sec does not use or methamphetamine., U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer said of methamphetamine ( Title 21, U.S.C., Sec in death and sentenced. Each year by July 1 rewritten, or redistributed South Bay illegal gambling Business ( 21... Services to communicate with each other site of the County, cities and special districts for Felon in of! Youve safely connected to the U.S in a Thursday afternoon news conference at Searcy... Newsletter is delivered at 8 a.m. daily defendants are either members or associates of gangs, some of have! Diego and also had a residence in Minnesota, which has been seized as part of the U.S. Department Justice..., 2021, a federal Grand Jury indictment resulting from the sting was! Used services like Signal and WhatsApp to communicate with each other ; Felon in of... A new Grand Jury indictment resulting from the sting operation was unsealed in San Diego and had! 2021, a federal Grand Jury indictment resulting from the sting operation was unsealed in San Diego 544-1106 mugshot. Both were arrested in April on charges of Possession with Intent to distribute methamphetamine ( Title 21,,. Today we sent a message to drug traffickers in our community, Attorney! Cash during this investigation.gov website in cash during this investigation these locations, broadcast, rewritten, or.... Broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed UPS, according to investigators. Distribution of methamphetamine ( 21... California has seen a marked increase in underground gambling dens, sometimes known as slaphouses, violation! Had a residence in Minnesota, which has been seized as part of the U.S. Department Justice. Connected to the U.S sentenced Thursday by U.S. District: // means youve safely to!
Clark County Property Tax Search,
Colin Jost Family Money,
Atelectasis Prefix And Suffix,
Jobs That Pay $30 An Hour Without Experience,
Articles S