“ATF and YPD Target Documented Gang Members”

Yakima – Michael C. Ormsby, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, announced that a joint operation between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Yakima Police Department has resulted in plea agreements concerning four documented Norteno gang members.

In the summer of 2010, due to rising gang violence in the City of Yakima, a joint proactive investigation was launched to detect, identify, and apprehend gang members who were selling controlled substances and firearms. During the investigation, law enforcement officers learned that several documented gang members were selling both methamphetamine and firearms. The law enforcement officers were also able to obtain audio recordings of several transactions which involved both methamphetamine and firearms. The investigation resulted in the return of several indictments.

On April 21, 2011, Orlando Marquez, aka Mr. Lucky, age 33, a documented Norteno VCV 21 gang member, plead guilty to Distribution of Methamphetamine. On July 21, 2011, Orlando Marquez was sentenced to 94 months imprisonment.

On April 18, 2011, Javier Vega Campos, aka Sprinkles, age 27, a documented Norteno VCV 21 gang member, plead guilty to Distribution of Methamphetamine. On July 26, 2011, Javier Campos was sentenced to 86 months imprisonment.

On July 26, 2011, Hugo Enrique Davadi, aka Flaco, age 23, a documented Norteno La Raza gang member, plead guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Felon in Possession of a Firearm. Pursuant to the plea agreement, the parties have agreed to recommend a sentence between 84 and 100 months imprisonment. A sentencing hearing has been scheduled to take place on October 13, 2011.

On July 26, 2011, Hermino Garcia Rojas, aka Boxer, age 23, a documented Norteno La Raza gang member, plead guilty to Distribution of Methamphetamine. Pursuant to the plea agreement, the parties have agreed to recommend a sentence of 120 months imprisonment. A sentencing hearing has been scheduled to take place on October 13, 2011.

Michael C. Ormsby, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington, said, “Gang members pose a clear danger to the public. The United States Attorney’s Office, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Yakima Police Department are committed to removing such offenders from our streets to protect the public.”

This investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the Yakima Police Department. These cases were prosecuted by Tom Hanlon, Assistant United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Washington.