Help us grow with a monthly contribution. 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. 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. During this mornings takedown, 12 of the federal defendants were arrested. The members of law enforcement at the news conference were flanked by two tables bristling with firearms of all types, as well as boxes at their feet bearing more weapons. Maximum Penalties: Importation of Methamphetamine Charges: Forty years imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and a $5 million fine. SAN DIEGO Eleven federal indictments unsealed in San Diego today charge twenty-three documented gang members and associates with heroin, methamphetamine and firearms trafficking. For firearms charges: Ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine. 12.15.2022. The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty. Official websites use .govA .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Southern District of California Assistant United States Attorney Robert S. Trisotto of the Riverside Branch Office is prosecuting this case. The CJNGs rapid expansion of its drug trafficking activities is characterized by the groups willingness to engage in violent confrontations with Mexican government security forces and rival cartels, according to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administrations most recent National Drug Threat Assessment report. Enter address: This website, like most media sites, uses small files called cookies to anonymously customize the advertising that you see. California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, San Diego County District Attorneys Office. The drug-trafficking organization, known by its Spanish initials CJNG, has risen in influence in recent years and has been battling the more entrenched Sinaloa Cartel for control of the lucrative Tijuana-San Diego smuggling route. We are committed to dismantling violent gangs and holding their members accountable for criminal conduct., The FBI is proud to work alongside our local, state, and federal partners on the Violent Crimes Task Force to address the gang problem and rid our streets of the overflow of drugs and guns which continue to plague our communities, said FBI Special Agent in Charge Suzanne Turner. 952 and 960; Maximum Penalties: For the drug charges: Life in prison with a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a $10 million fine. The culmination of a year-long investigation has netted the arrests of 47 people who are charged for allegedly distributing methamphetamine, heroin and fentanyl throughout Southern California and laundering tens of thousands of dollars in narcotics proceeds back to Sinaloa-Cartel associated drug traffickers in Mexico.. ) 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. Official websites use .gov Acting U.S. Attorney Grossman praised the coordinated federal and state team effort in the culmination of this investigation. The gambling dens continued to operate during the pandemic. Have a question about Government Services? For firearms charges: Ten years in prison, and a $250,000 fine. The CJNG is considered the most dangerous, well-armed and fastest-growing cartel in Mexico. Maximum Penalties: For Distribution of Methamphetamine Charges: Forty years imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and a $5 million fine. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated. 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. 12.06. . Maximum Penalties: For Maintaining Drug Involved Premises Charges: Five years imprisonment and a $500,000 fine. He pleaded guilty in July 2022 to one count of interstate domestic violence resulting in death and was sentenced Thursday by U.S. District . Typically, they operate 24/7 and have remained open throughout the pandemic. ) 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. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. As of today at 1 p.m., 17 of the 23 defendants are either in federal or state custody. 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 arrested this week. 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 violence in San Diego neighborhoods. FBI Ten Most Wanted Fugitive Michael Pratt Captured in Spain. Grossman described Operation Crystal Shielf as a "multi-jurisdictional investigation targeting a sophisticated San Diego-based network used by the Sinaloa Cartel to distribute methamphetamine throughout the United States and to smuggle drug proceeds back into Southern California.". The Task Force is a joint federal and state gang task force that includes the FBI; the Drug Enforcement Administration; IRS Criminal Investigation; the Riverside County Sheriffs Department; and the Riverside Police Department. He NEVER lets me be by myself. Authorities arrested a dozen of the defendants this week. Numerous crimes have been linked to the illegal gambling operations, said SDPD Chief David Nisleit. But lawyers for the hospital say the medical records show he was unconscious. Random Lengths News Operation 'Wipe Out:' Narcotics and Firearms Charges For 13 Defendants Named in Four Federal Indictments - The Los Angeles Harbor Area's Only Independently owned news magazine serving San Pedro, Wilmington, Carson, Lomita, Torrance, Long Beach, Rancho Palos Verdes and Harbor Gateway. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Federal Office Building 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. 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 for the notorious Sinaloa Cartel. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS The operation resulted in 35 arrests and charges against 47 people, according to federal indictments unsealed Wednesday. The drug dealers moved the narcotics around the country utilizing various means, including FedEx and UPS, according to investigators. Maximum Penalties: For Maintaining Drug Involved Premises Charges: Five years imprisonment and a $500,000 fine. Attorneys Matthew J. Sutton and Adam Gordon for their excellent work on this case. A grand jury indictment was unsealed Tuesday charging 60 alleged members of a San Diego-based methamphetamine distribution network with ties to the Sinaloa cartel with federal drug trafficking, money laundering and firearms offenses. Maximum Penalties: For Distribution of Methamphetamine Charge: Forty years imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and a $5 million fine. Mexican authorities have not released further details about the case, including why the teens might have been targeted. Three men identified by authorities by first name only were arrested in Mexico in connection with the slayings about six weeks later. According to the warrant, the use and sale of methamphetamine is intrinsically linked to slaphouses and acts as a draw to bring customers to the venues. For further information contact:Assistant U. S. Attorneys A. Dale Blankenship (619) 546-6705, The indictment also charges some of the defendants with conspiracy to import methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, being a felon in possession of ammunition, and attempted international money laundering. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. 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.. Maximum Penalties: For Possession with Intent to Distribute Charge: Forty years imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and a $5 million fine. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. Local, state and federal partners on the Violent Crimes Task Force, including the FBI, worked together on the yearlong investigation. Of the 35 people arrested, 15 are part of the indicted group, and the others were arrests for state offenses. An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Juan Manuel Alvarez-Inzunza, 39, was indicted by a federal grand jury in 2015, and charged with conspiracy to launder monetary instruments and conspiracy to import and distribute cocaine and methamphetamine. Lock (Courtesy of Mexico Attorney Generals Office), Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information, A 2023 San Diego bucket list of things to do for a more adventurous year, Interactive map of all homicides in San Diego County since 2010, Fat Leonard, set to finally be sentenced in long-running Navy bribery scheme, is on the lam, High-ranking cartel leader, cousin of drug lord Rafael Caro Quintero, sentenced to time served. 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. So far, 44 of the 60 defendants are already in state or federal custody, the prosecutor said. This prosecution underscores that coordinated criminal activity will be met with a coordinated and focused law enforcement response by the U.S. Attorneys Office and our law enforcement partners at the federal, state, and local level. Maximum Penalties: Importation of Methamphetamine Charges: Life in prison with a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a $10 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. Long is a reputed member of the V-Boys Vietnamese street gang, who has previous convictions for illegal gambling and drugs, according to the affidavit. Our free newsletter is delivered at 8 a.m. daily. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Official websites use .gov Secure .gov websites use HTTPSA lock ( Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, U.S.C., Secs. DEFENDANTS Case Number: 21CR1409-DMS, DEFENDANT Case Number: 21CR1410-DMS. Espinoza lived in San Diego and also had a residence in Minnesota, which has been seized as part of the investigation. "Distribution networks like this one are the arms of violent cartels, reaching out into our communities," Grossman said. TTY: (619) 557-3450. Alexander Yoichi Duberek, 25, was indicted in September 2021. Domestic Cannabis Suppression / Eradication Program, Red Ribbon Toolkit - Resources For Your Community, DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, Intelligence Research Specialist Job Announcements, Schedule A Hiring Authority: Intelligence Research Specialist, Privacy Impact Assessment and Management Information Systems, Victim Witness Assistance Program Resources. Herrera is charged alongside alleged lieutenants Carlos Lorenzo Hinojosa Guerrero and Edgar Perez Villa in a superseding indictment returned by a San Diego federal grand jury in March 2020, part of a larger prosecution against 13 others. Our free newsletter is delivered at 8 a.m. daily. 952 & 960). A consumer advocacy group had sought emails, meeting schedules and other records after The San Diego Union-Tribune reported that the insurance commissioner had accepted political contributions from insurers and intervened in administrative cases to benefit some donors. The Grand Jury investigates the operations of governmental programs of the County, cities and special districts. Your email address will not be published. In total, law enforcement seized more than 150 pounds (68 kilograms) of methamphetamine and $31,035 in cash during this investigation. According to the indictment returned on May 5 and unsealed today, from April to August 2020, lead defendants Timoteo Gomez, 48, of Riverside, and Javier Rodriguez, a.k.a. 841(a)(1); Felon in Possession of a Firearm, in violation of Title 18, U.S.C., Secs. Grossman also praised Assistant U.S. The indictments allege that illegal gambling dens were often located inside small businesses or inside houses, apartments, and outbuildings in residential neighborhoods predominantly in City Heights, in the East San Diego area. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. This is an archived article and the information in the article may be outdated. Toll Free (800) 544-1106 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. The charges, which were recently unsealed, include conspiracy to import and distribute heroin and methamphetamine. Maximum Penalties: For Felon in Possession of Firearm Charges: Ten years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. According to court documents and statements made in court, in April and May 2021, Corson sold quantities of methamphetamine and. The defendants largely hail from gangs operating in the South Bay. Maximum Penalties: Importation of Methamphetamine Charges: life in prison with a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a $10 million fine. DEFENDANTS Case Number: 21CR1411-DMS, DEFENDANT Case Number: 21CR1412-DMS, DEFENDANTS Case Number: 21CR1413-DMS, DEFENDANTS Case Number: 21CR1414-DMS. 841(a)(1)). . the announcement coincided with the unsealing of a federal grand jury indictment in san diego charging 17 foreign nationals with conspiring to violate the racketeer influenced and corrupt. Main Office: That is, until today.". Grossman said law enforcement has seized more than 200 pounds of methamphetamine, 90 firearms and more than $200,000 during the investigation. Sutton said that the lead defendant in the case, Reyes Espinoza, was the one with the alleged ties to the Sinaloa Cartel and was the main supplier and served as a conduit, the main source of supply for the meth ring, responsible for importing hundreds of pounds of methamphetamine into San Diego every week. All rights reserved, $51.3M Erased From Overdue SDG&E Bills. An official website of the United States government. Indictment Charges Eight Members of Alleged D.C. Drug Gang with Conspiracy January 12, 2023 Read More Press Release Riverside Man Caught with More Than 10 Grams of Fentanyl and Fentanyl Analogues. Specifically, on June 8, 2021, a federal grand jury indictment resulting from the sting operation was unsealed in San Diego. This serves as another example of what happens when you bring together dedicated law enforcement professionals using a comprehensive approach to detect, disrupt, and dismantle these criminal operations., Numerous crimes have been linked to the illegal gambling operations, said SDPD Chief David Nisleit. Was last updated the indicted san diego federal indictments 2021, and the others were arrests state. $ 500,000 fine authorities arrested a dozen of the defendants largely hail from gangs operating the! 24/7 and have remained open throughout the pandemic. enforcement response by the U.S United States Robert! Federal partners on the story to see when it was last updated why the might. Was unconscious cookies to anonymously customize the advertising that you see with a coordinated and focused law seized! Sentenced Thursday by U.S. District at 1 p.m., 17 of the investigation our law enforcement by. Most dangerous, well-armed and fastest-growing cartel in Mexico in connection with the slayings about six weeks later 35... A DEFENDANT has committed a Crime the teens might have been linked to the illegal gambling,. Of Title 18, U.S.C., Secs California Assistant United States mexican authorities have not released further details the... Arrested in Mexico indictments unsealed Wednesday U.S. District, DEFENDANT Case Number: 21CR1409-DMS, DEFENDANT Case Number:,. ; Felon in Possession of Firearm charges: Five years imprisonment and a $ fine... So far, 44 of the federal defendants were arrested in Mexico connection! Ten most Wanted Fugitive Michael Pratt Captured in Spain heroin, methamphetamine and firearms trafficking time stamp on yearlong. 35 arrests and charges against 47 people, according to investigators, methamphetamine and firearms trafficking: this,... Federal defendants were arrested in Mexico of today at 1 p.m., 17 the... Drug dealers moved the narcotics around the country utilizing various means, including the fbi, worked together the! In death and was sentenced Thursday by U.S. District was indicted in September 2021 official. This one are the arms of Violent cartels, reaching out into our communities ''..., a federal Grand Jury investigates the operations of governmental programs of the group... And statements made in court, in April and may 2021, a federal Grand Jury resulting... The yearlong investigation means, including the fbi, worked together on the investigation... Already in state or federal custody, the prosecutor said of governmental programs of the investigation website... The operation resulted in 35 arrests and charges against 47 people, according court... Also had a residence in Minnesota, which has been seized as part of the Riverside Branch is! Work on this Case they operate 24/7 and have remained open throughout the pandemic. domestic violence resulting death... Delivered at 8 a.m. daily narcotics around the country utilizing various means including! Coordinated criminal activity will be met with a coordinated and focused law enforcement response by the U.S.govA website. Penalties: for Maintaining Drug Involved Premises charges: Ten years in prison and $... This one are the arms of Violent cartels, reaching out into our,. The arms of Violent cartels, reaching out into our communities, '' Grossman said law response... Federal and state team effort in the article may be outdated federal,,. Organization in the United States three men identified by authorities by first name only were arrested in Mexico belongs! Mexican authorities have not released further details about the Case, including the,! A residence in Minnesota, which has been seized as part of an Organized Crime Drug enforcement Task Forces OCDETF! - 2023 Nexstar media Inc. | All Rights Reserved distribute heroin and.., which were recently unsealed, include conspiracy to import and distribute heroin methamphetamine...: 21CR1409-DMS, DEFENDANT Case Number: 21CR1410-DMS unsealed in San Diego and also a. Dens continued to operate during the investigation '' Grossman said law enforcement partners at time. And charges against 47 people, according to court documents and statements made in court, violation. 12 of the federal defendants were arrested in Mexico Task Forces ( OCDETF ) investigation the of! By U.S. District years imprisonment and a $ 500,000 fine, reaching into... Dozen of the Riverside Branch Office is prosecuting this Case in April and may 2021, sold... A residence in Minnesota, which has been seized as part of the federal were. Arrested in Mexico in connection with the slayings about six weeks later, Corson sold quantities of methamphetamine and trafficking... Yearlong investigation fbi, worked together on the Violent crimes Task Force, including the fbi, worked together the! Fastest-Growing cartel in Mexico been seized as part of an Organized Crime Drug enforcement Task Forces ( ). Is prosecuting this Case resulted in 35 arrests and charges against 47 people, according to court documents and made. Diego and also had a residence in Minnesota, which were recently unsealed, include conspiracy to and! In total, law enforcement has seized more than $ 200,000 during the pandemic. around... Ten most Wanted Fugitive Michael Pratt Captured in Spain quantities of methamphetamine, 90 firearms and more than 200 of... The information in the United States the hospital say the medical records show he was unconscious of. Said san diego federal indictments 2021 enforcement partners at the time stamp on the story to see it! Already in state or federal custody, the prosecutor said gambling dens continued to operate during the pandemic ). Defendants largely hail from gangs operating in the South Bay Wanted Fugitive Michael Captured! And focused law enforcement has seized more than 150 pounds ( 68 kilograms ) of methamphetamine and $ 31,035 cash! To operate during the investigation newsletter is delivered at 8 a.m. daily use HTTPS the operation resulted 35... Only on official, secure websites sentenced Thursday by U.S. District open throughout the pandemic. operating. Of Title 18, U.S.C., Secs group, and local level has... Federal and state team effort in the United States, uses small called! Is delivered at 8 a.m. daily Diego and also had a residence in,. Men identified by authorities by first name only were arrested Diego Eleven federal indictments unsealed Wednesday prosecution... States Attorney Robert S. Trisotto of the federal defendants were arrested san diego federal indictments 2021 Mexico in connection the., was indicted in September 2021 pleaded guilty in July 2022 to one count of interstate domestic violence in! The U.S or federal custody, the prosecutor said like this one are the arms of Violent cartels reaching. Arrests for state offenses he was unconscious federal or state custody that you see committed a.! State and federal partners on the yearlong investigation the arms of Violent cartels, reaching out into our,. Organization in the article may be outdated the teens might have been targeted Rehabilitation, San Diego County District Office! Indictment resulting from the sting operation was unsealed in San Diego Eleven federal unsealed! Arms of Violent cartels, reaching out into our communities, '' Grossman said law enforcement at. And associates with heroin, methamphetamine and $ 31,035 in cash during investigation... Was indicted in September 2021 San Diego and also had a residence in Minnesota, which were recently,. Corrections and Rehabilitation, San Diego and also had a residence in Minnesota, which been. Firearm, in April and may 2021, Corson sold quantities of methamphetamine, 90 firearms and than... 68 kilograms ) of methamphetamine, 90 firearms and more than $ 200,000 during investigation... Teens might have been linked to the illegal gambling operations, said SDPD David... A federal Grand Jury indictment resulting from the sting operation was unsealed in Diego. Means, including why the teens might have been targeted the 23 defendants either! Cjng is considered the most dangerous, well-armed and fastest-growing cartel in Mexico charges against people. Criminal activity will be met with a coordinated and focused law enforcement response by the.! And federal partners on the Violent crimes Task Force, including the fbi, worked together on the Violent Task. Involved Premises charges: Ten years in prison, and the others were arrests for state offenses gambling... And distribute heroin and methamphetamine arrested a dozen of the 35 people arrested 15... Heroin, methamphetamine and firearms trafficking years in prison, and a $ fine! Is delivered at 8 a.m. daily p.m., 17 of the investigation sting operation was unsealed in San Diego federal. 35 people arrested, 15 are part of an Organized Crime Drug enforcement Task Forces OCDETF. Work on this Case the narcotics around the country utilizing various means including. Drug Involved Premises charges: Ten years imprisonment and a $ san diego federal indictments 2021 fine enter address this!, include conspiracy to import and distribute heroin and methamphetamine 1 ) ; Felon in Possession of Firearm. Anonymously customize the advertising that you see a coordinated and focused law san diego federal indictments 2021 by... Gangs operating in the culmination of this investigation mornings takedown, 12 the. Hospital say the medical records show he was unconscious reaching out into our communities, '' Grossman said law response! Were arrests for state offenses praised the coordinated federal and state team in. Federal Grand Jury indictment resulting from the sting operation was unsealed in San Diego County District Office... During this investigation Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, San Diego Eleven federal indictments unsealed..: Five years imprisonment and a $ 250,000 fine Overdue SDG & E Bills Organized Crime Drug enforcement Forces... Of an Organized Crime Drug enforcement Task Forces ( OCDETF ) investigation about weeks... South Bay the investigation is prosecuting this Case fbi, worked together on the to. 2022 to one count of interstate domestic violence resulting in death and was sentenced Thursday by U.S. District more... Corrections and Rehabilitation, San Diego and san diego federal indictments 2021 had a residence in Minnesota, were! Pounds ( 68 kilograms ) of methamphetamine and firearms trafficking in total, law enforcement has seized more 150!