Secure .gov websites use HTTPS 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. Assistant U. S. Attorneys Matthew J. Sutton (619) 546-8941 and Adam Gordon (619) 546-6720 NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY - May 27, 2021 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. 841(a)(1)). California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, San Diego County District Attorneys Office. Dont buy a teeth whitening gel before reading these reviews. *The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty. He checks all my emails, messages, messengers, FB (Facebook) posts, Maya Millete texted her brother months before she disappeared, Privacy PolicyTerms of ServiceSign Up For Our Newsletters, Copyright 2023, The San Diego Union-Tribune |. 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. 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. Three of the indicted individuals were already in custody prior to the takedown. 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.. Additional partner agencies participating in the takedown. He awaits extradition to the U.S. Harvey, 54, of Riverside, purchased methamphetamine from their suppliers in Mexico as well as Los Angeles and Riverside counties. Whoops! The Grand Jury investigates the operations of governmental programs of the County, cities and special districts. Here's How to Check Your Bill, Rainstorms Are Boosting San Diego's Water Supplies But It's Not Enough, Beaches Up and Down San Diego County Closed After Sewage Spills, Watch Live: Maya Millete Case Updates During Larry Millete's Hearing on Murder Charge, SUV Appears Split in Half After Oceanside Crash That Killed Mom, 6-Year-Old, Injured 4 Others, That's Where She Told Me That She Needs a Place to Live,' Maya Millete's Sister-in-Law Testifies. The charges, which were recently unsealed, include conspiracy to import and distribute heroin and methamphetamine. Of the 35 people arrested, 15 are part of the indicted group, and the others were arrests for state offenses. That is, until today.". The FBI disrupted two dozen illegal gambling dens in San Diego Wednesday morning in sweeping raids across the city. He pleaded guilty in July 2022 to one count of interstate domestic violence resulting in death and was sentenced Thursday by U.S. District . 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. 856(a)(1)), Distribution of Methamphetamine (Title 21, U.S.C., Sec. "They're also supplying a deadly stream of methamphetamine and other deadly drugs. RIVERSIDE, CA Law enforcement authorities today arrested 12 defendants charged in a federal grand jury indictment alleging they conspired to traffic large quantities of methamphetamine from their suppliers in Mexico into and throughout the Inland Empire. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. 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. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. 17 Suspected Gang Members in Custody Following Federal Probe into Drug, Gun Trafficking, Operation Devils Den: Escondido Gang Probe Leads to 21 Arrests, 113 Guns Held, Police Send Results of Probe into Rape Allegations Against SDSU Football Players to District Attorney, Four Suspected of Operating Illicit Massage Businesses, Including Ex-San Diego Vice Cop, Opinion: Three Ways that California Can Prepare for Future Atmospheric Rivers, Sister-in-Law of Missing Chula Vista Woman Testifies at Millete Hearing, San Diego State University Launches Online Cyber Tech Academy, Husband-and-Wife Team to Star in Disney on Ice in San Diego, San Diego Foundation: $3.5 Million in Scholarships Available, Santee YMCA Closing Early, Fearing Rally Clashes Over Teen's Report, Trans Rights, Opinion: SunbreakRanchIs the Answer to San Diego -- and Americas -- Homeless Crisis, Opinion: Latest Chargers Loss a Reminder of Why San Diego Fans Let Them Leave, Family of 6, Including New Baby, Dead in Drug Cartel Massacre in Central Valley, San Diego Police Shoot, Kill Man, 77, Sought in Younger Woman's Fatal Stabbing, Parcels Near Cal State San Marcos Sold for Nearly $6M in Area Slated for Redevelopment, Fundraiser for Former San Diego Police Officer Darnell Calhoun Passes $150K, Heavy Rain Runoff and Sewage Spills Close Beaches Across San Diego Area, Three More Arrests Made in Alleged Large-Scale Theft, Robbery Ring, California Braces for Last 2 'Atmospheric River' Storms Amid Hopes for Drought to Ease, Proudly powered by Newspack by Automattic. But lawyers for the hospital say the medical records show he was unconscious. 841(a)(1). 841(a)(1)). SAN DIEGO Federal authorities unsealed indictments Thursday against 85 alleged members of East San Diego County drug distribution and money laundering networks linked to the Sinaloa. 922(g)(1). Grossman also praised Assistant U.S. 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 investigative work led by the Violent Crimes Task Force and the arrests made have created a safer environment for all of our communities.. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level criminal organizations that threaten the United States using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated. The defendants are charged with conspiracy, operating illegal gambling businesses, maintaining drug involved premises, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, distribution of methamphetamine, importation of methamphetamine, felon in possession of firearm and felon in possession of ammunition. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. A mugshot of Edgar El Caiman Herrera Pardo from his 2019 arrest in Mexico. *KAREN RENE ANN PRANGSAMPHAN- PORTER (10), Conspiracy (Title 18, U.S.C., Sec. Maximum Penalties: For the drug charges: Life in prison with a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a $10 million fine. Doctor and Office Manager Indicted in Scheme to Defraud Medicare, Manufacture and Distribute Fentanyl. This yearlong investigation involved federal wiretaps, dozens of undercover drug and gun buys and extensive surveillance. Reporters Notebook: California border remains top fentanyl trafficking gateway into U.S. Judge sentences boat pilot to 18 years in prison for three smuggling deaths, Truth or a simple dream? 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. "One method utilized was moving tens of thousands of dollars in narcotics proceeds to the network's leaders via Paypal, Zelle, Venmo and Cash App accounts, in addition to shipping bulk cash.". 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. Many of the defendants are scheduled to be arraigned before U.S. Magistrate Judge Michael Berg at 2 p.m. today and tomorrow. Possession with Intent to Distribute (Title 21, U.S.C., Sec. If you want to make sure you have the necessary supplies on hand to treat a future breakout, acne patches are the answer. SAN DIEGO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) - A man from San Diego was indicted in a federal court after a search of his residence revealed his connection to illegal sales of firearms and possessing. Both were arrested in April on charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and are currently in federal custody. In a Thursday afternoon news conference at the Searcy Police Department, . Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. For further information contact:Assistant U. S. Attorneys A. Dale Blankenship (619) 546-6705, Help us grow with a monthly contribution. Authorities also seized methamphetamine, heroin and firearms as part of the investigation. The defendants largely hail from gangs operating in the South Bay. Enter address: This website, like most media sites, uses small files called cookies to anonymously customize the advertising that you see. 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. natives documentary captures The Art of Grieving, Disneyland release new details about centennial celebration, City sewage spill closes San Diego Bay, other beaches, Orange County man shot by police pulled gun, Live: Larry Millete preliminary hearing continues, Motorcyclist killed in North County crash, Suspect shot, killed while reaching for shotgun:, Drivers press their luck in Mission Valley flooding, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. 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. 12.23.2022. Investigators conducted extensive physical surveillance in conjunction with a six-month federal wiretap operation that intercepted the communications of the networks members and was used to track their locations. Importation of Methamphetamine (Title 21, U.S.C., Secs. 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. Maximum Penalties: Importation of Methamphetamine Charges: Life in prison with a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a $10 million fine. We'll send you the top local news stories every morning at 8 a.m. By clicking subscribe, you agree to share your email address with Times of San Diego to receive our free newsletter and breaking news alerts. The FBIs Safe Streets Task Force received assistance during the investigation from the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department; U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the United States Marshals Service. Lock They have been linked to drugs and violent crime. Other alleged members of the conspiracy would further distribute methamphetamine in the Inland Empire. Mexican authorities have not released further details about the case, including why the teens might have been targeted. Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substance, in violation of Title 21, U.S.C., Secs. An official website of the United States government. Alexander Yoichi Duberek, 25, was indicted in September 2021. Felon in Possession of a Firearms and Ammunition (18, U.S.C., Secs. 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. Have a question about Government Services? Oct. 17, 2021 5:06 PM PT SAN DIEGO In a case prosecutors and defense attorneys agree "covers novel questions of fact and law," two Tijuana men have been indicted on drug-trafficking and. Attorneys Matthew J. Sutton and Adam Gordon for their excellent work on this case. Acting U.S. Attorney Randy S. Grossman noted that gangs, drugs and illegal firearms have infested many of our neighborhoods, which creates a violent culture that is unsafe for residents.. 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. 841(a)(1); Importation of Heroin, in violation of Title 21, U.S.C., Secs. MCC San Diego is a prison complex that contains An administrative security metropolitan correctional center. Specifically, on June 8, 2021, a federal grand jury indictment resulting from the sting operation was unsealed in San Diego. 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. Name, email and comment will be stored in our database. So far, 44 of the 60 defendants are already in state or federal custody, the prosecutor said. The three others with nicknames that reference apparent membership in Los Cabos, such as Cabo 96 and Cabo 89 remain at large. 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. - A Jefferson City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing a firearm and methamphetamine to distribute. Maximum Penalties: For Distribution of Methamphetamine Charge: life in prison with a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a $10 million fine. 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. maps_and_photos_4-14-21x.pdf unsealed_sw_21mj1300.pdf Enter address: This website, like most media sites, uses small files called cookies to anonymously customize the advertising that you see. The fourth alleged leader, Israel Alejandro Vazquez-Vazquez, is charged separately in a March 2021 indictment. Typically, they operate 24/7 and have remained open throughout the pandemic. 12.15.2022. 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2). FBI.gov is an official site of the U.S. Department of Justice. 841(a)(1) and 846; Conspiracy to Import Heroin, in violation of Title 21, U.S.C., Secs. The main draw to illegal gambling establishments is methamphetamine use and sales, according to the indictments. 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