Federal Jury Convicts Three More Members of Pueblo Bishops Bloods in L.A.’s First Racketeering Prosecution Targeting a Bloods Gang

LOS ANGELES—Three more members of the Pueblo Bishops Bloods, a long-entrenched criminal street gang that used violence and intimidation in an attempt to control the Pueblo del Rio housing projects in South Los Angeles, have been found guilty of federal racketeering, narcotics, and gun charges.

Yesterday’s convictions come in the first federal criminal RICO action brought against a Bloods street gang in Southern California.

Following a four-week trial in United States District Court, a jury yesterday afternoon convicted the three defendants of being members of a criminal enterprise that engaged in narcotics and firearms trafficking, murder, witness intimidation, and armed robbery as part of the gang’s efforts to terrorize the housing projects.

The three defendants found guilty yesterday of violating the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act are:

■Kevin Eleby, also known as “L,” 48, of Los Angeles;

■Jason Davis, also known as “Lil’ G-Red,” 26, of Los Angeles; and

■Rashaad Laws, also known as “Big Time,” 35, who resided in Los Angeles and Culver City.

In addition to the RICO charge, Eleby was convicted of being responsible for a gun possession related to a shooting that occurred inside the projects on September 11, 2009. This shooting, committed by several other Pueblo Bishop gang members, targeted the residence of a rival gang member but, at the time of the shooting, only the rival gang member’s mother and 11-year-old brother were inside.

In addition to the RICO charge, Davis was convicted of a possessing a sawed-off .22-caliber rifle in furtherance of the RICO conspiracy. During this offense, Davis led police on a high-speed chase through the projects, almost hitting a child, and ultimately crashing into a minivan as he unsuccessfully sought to elude capture.

In addition to the above charges, Eleby, Davis, and Laws were convicted of conspiracy to distribute significant quantities cocaine and crack cocaine. Eleby was also convicted of possession with intent to sell cocaine. Davis was also convicted of drug trafficking within a public housing project, and near schools and playgrounds.

As a result of their convictions, Eleby and Davis face a mandatory minimum sentence of 30 years in federal prison, and they could be sentenced to life without parole. Laws faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison, and he faces a potential life sentence. All three defendants are scheduled to be sentenced by United States District Judge S. James Otero on February 4, 2013.

The jury that returned the guilty verdicts deadlocked on whether Eleby possessed a second firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking.

The federal racketeering case targeting the Pueblo Bishops Blood criminal enterprise is a result of a long-standing partnership between the FBI and the Los Angeles Police Department, a relationship that is maintained through the FBI’s Los Angeles Metropolitan Task Force on Violent Gangs. This task force is one of dozens of such partnerships throughout the United States, known as Safe Streets Task Forces, funded for the purpose of assisting local police in identifying and addressing violent crime in America.

A total of 46 defendants were charged as a result of the investigation targeting the Pueblo Bishops Bloods (see initial announcement in this case at: http://www.justice.gov/usao/cac/Pressroom/pr2010/122.html). With yesterday’s guilty verdicts, 42 of those defendants have now been convicted (see, for example: http://www.justice.gov/usao/cac/Pressroom/2012/046.html). One federal defendant is currently is state custody facing a murder charge, two are fugitives suspected to be in Mexico, and prosecutors dismissed charges against one defendant.

On July 16, 2012, three other Pueblo Bishop Blood defendants were convicted by a separate jury of federal racketeering and drug charges, with one defendant also being convicted for conspiring to murder a man who was killed after being shot in the back by Pueblo Bishops in front of his 2-year-old son (see: http://www.justice.gov/usao/cac/Pressroom/2012/094.html).

Out of the 42 defendants now convicted in this case, about half have been sentenced, receiving prison terms as long as 211 months.

This case is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Los Angeles Police Department, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development-Office of Inspector General, and the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.

FBI Seeks Assistance Locating Serial Bank Robber

Suspect Nicknamed the Haggler Bandit

An unidentified male bank robber has been linked to three bank robberies and two attempted bank robberies in the past week; four of the incidents occurred in the past day. The Haggler Bandit is described as an unidentified black male, 5’8” and 6’0” tall, 150-170 lbs., and anywhere from in his late 20s to 40 years of age. The suspect was given the nickname “Haggler Bandit” based on the fact that victim tellers described him as having “haggled” to some extent over the amount of money he expected to receive based on his demand for cash. The suspect passes a note to the victim teller during the robberies. During today’s (August 31, 2012) attempted robbery, the suspect verbally threatened a weapon.

This case is being investigated by the Pasadena Police Department, the Monrovia Police Department, the Los Angeles Police Department, and the FBI. Anyone with information as to the identity of the Haggler Bandit should contact one of these agencies or dial 911. In southern California, the FBI may be reached 24 hours a day at 888-CANT-HIDE (888-226-8443).

ATF ANNOUNCES $10,000 REWARD IN TORRANCE FIREARMS BURGLARY INVESTIGATION

TORRANCE, Calif. — Special Agent in Charge Steven J. Bogdalek, of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Los Angeles Field Division, and the Torrance Police Department, (TPD), today announced that a $5,000 reward will be offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual(s) responsible for the theft of firearms from a federal firearms licensee. Turner’s Outdoorsman is also matching ATF’s reward with an additional $5,000 for a total of $10,000 for information. The burglary occurred Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012, at Turner’s Outdoorsman, a federal firearms licensee (FFL), (licensed gun dealer), located at 18305 Hawthorne Blvd, Torrance. Torrance Detectives are reviewing surveillance videos and evidence at the scene to identify possible suspects. At this time it appears the suspect(s) stole several handguns and rifles from the store.

“Due to an increase in firearm burglaries in recent weeks, we are asking federal firearms licensee’s to re-examine their security options for safeguarding their stores,” said Bogdalek. “We are also asking for the public assistance by offering this reward for information on the person(s) involved in these thefts.”

“Torrance Detectives and ATF Agents are using all their available resources to investigate this case and locate all persons involved in this burglary.” said Sgt Robert Watt, TPD. ATF is the federal agency responsible for investigating all thefts of firearms from FFLs. ATF is using its expertise in tracking and tracing stolen firearms to pursue those responsible for this theft. ATF and the Corona Police Department have tracked several leads and are asking for the public’s help in providing additional details regarding the theft. Anyone with information on the crime should contact ATF’s toll-free, 24-hour tip line at 1-800-ATF-GUNS (800-283-4867). Callers can remain anonymous.

Make It Quick Bandit Linked to Bank Robbery at Gardena Bank

Gardena Bank Hit for the Third Time; $10,000 Reward Offered by U.S. Bank

An unidentified male bank robber linked to multiple robberies in the south bay area of Los Angeles County and known as the “Make It Quick” Bandit was linked to a bank robbery Friday in Gardena. The FBI and local law enforcement officers in Los Angeles County are seeking information leading to the suspect’s identity. Officials with U.S. Bank are offering a reward of up to $10,000 in exchange for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the Make It Quick Bandit.

During today’s robbery at a U.S. Bank located inside a Vons supermarket, the suspect robbed the bank at approximately 11:30 a.m. after presenting a note demanding cash. Today’s robbery is the third linked to the suspect at the same bank branch.

During other robberies, the suspect has been seen in bank surveillance photos wearing sunglasses and has indicated to victim tellers that one or more people are waiting outside of the bank. The suspect robs banks inside grocery stores, and witnesses have advised investigators that he usually spends time wandering the aisles of the grocery store.

The Make It Quick Bandit is further described as Hispanic with dark hair, possibly thinning on top, with a goatee; 5’10” to 6’1” tall, 200–230 lbs., and between 25-35 years of age.

The Make It Quick Bandit has been linked to the following robberies:

■January 4, 2009: U.S. Bank 1221 S. Gaffey San Pedro

■June 25, 2011: U.S. Bank 1221 S. Gaffey San Pedro

■September 21, 2011: U.S. Bank 500 E. Manchester Inglewood

■October 26, 2011: U.S. Bank 200 E. Sepulveda Carson

■November 13, 2011: U.S. Bank 500 E. Manchester Inglewood

■December 21, 2011: U.S. Bank 1260 W. Redondo Beach Gardena

■June 30, 2012: U.S. Bank 1260 W. Redondo Beach Gardena

■July 14, 2012: U.S. Bank 1770 W. Carson Torrance

■August 24, 12: U.S. Bank 1260 W. Redondo Beach Gardena

Anyone with information about the identity or whereabouts of the suspect is urged to contact the nearest FBI office or dial 911.

Bank surveillance photographs of the Make It Quick Bandit are below. Additional information about bank robbers currently wanted by the FBI’s Los Angeles Division can be found at www.labankrobbers.org.

This investigation is being conducted by detectives and officers with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department; Gardena Police Department; Inglewood Police Department; Torrance Police Department; and agents with the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Federal Indictment Targets 27 for Narcotics Distribution Network, Including Members of an International Drug Trafficking Organization and Los Angeles County Street Gangs

LOS ANGELES—An investigation by the San Gabriel Valley Safe Streets Task Force resulted in the arrest of 16 of 27 defendants today who face federal narcotics charges for their roles in a methamphetamine distribution network, announced representatives from the agencies who jointly conducted the investigation at a press conference this morning.

The arrests this morning mark the culmination of an 16-month investigation by the San Gabriel Valley Safe Streets Gang Task Force, which is made up of agents and officers with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Pasadena Police Department, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Agents with the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives devoted a great deal of resources throughout this investigation.

A federal grand jury returned an indictment in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles. The indictment, which was unsealed this morning, charges a total of 27 defendants, several of whom were already in custody prior to today’s operation. The indictment outlines hundreds of overt acts that formed the basis for the conspiracy to manufacture, possess, and distribute large quantities of nearly pure methamphetamine.

The indictment charges the defendants for their roles in the distribution of methamphetamine, the possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine; for conspiring to manufacture, possess with intent to distribute, and distribution of methamphetamine; and maintaining drug-involved premises, all violations of the United States Code, Title 21. The defendants are listed below; some of the defendants are not fully identified at this time. Eight defendants are currently being sought by law enforcement.

Jose Juan Garcia Barron, 33, of Ontario

Martin Barron Alcazar, of Ontario

Rudy Arma Jose Chavez Espinosa, 38, of Bloomington

Enrique Centeno Reyes, 36, of Ontario

Jorge Luis Barron Zarate, of Ontario

Tony LNU, of Ontario

Jose Maria Chavez, Jr., of Chino

Jose Maria Chavez, of Baldwin Park

Danielle Lupian, of Ontario

Ines Castillion Joya, 29, of Ontario

FNU LNU Jorge Ruelas, of Pomona

Rudy Zepeda, 35, of Pomona

Jose Alvarado, 24, of Pomona

David Aguilar, of Pomona

Rafael Favela Sara Garrido, of Montclair

Oscar Robles, of Rialto Miguel Saucedo, of Pomona

Andres Yepez, 32, of Pomona

Daniel Yepez, 28, of Pomona

Miguel Zaragoza

Pete LNU

Christopher Alvarado, 36, of Pomona

Isaac Cervantes, 30, of Rancho

Cucamonga Marcos Orejel, 24

The indictment details the roles of each defendant in the methamphetamine distribution conspiracy involving members and associates of the La Familial Michoacán drug trafficking organization (or LFM) and gang members associated with Los Amables and Westside Pomona Malditos gang members.

The indictment alleges that a main defendant, Jose Juan Garcia Barron, spent time between Los Angeles County and Mexico and controlled the importation of methamphetamine from Mexico to the United States, where it was sold on the streets of Los Angeles County by networks made up of local gang members or their associates, who pay taxes to the Mexican Mafia.

The drugs were imported in an unfinished or liquid state and were then converted for local distribution in a process known as or re-crystallization or “icing.” Investigators believe the drugs were imported by airplane, boats, and in vehicles crossing the border, and the quality of the methamphetamine was, in most cases, 99 percent pure. The defendants range from alleged cartel members to street gang members or associates whose activity fueled violence in the communities in which they operated.

In addition to today’s arrests, 13 search warrants were executed in Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties. During the execution of the search warrants, investigators found quantities of methamphetamine, white rock substances, various pills not yet identified, drug paraphernalia, and at least nine firearms. Searches are continuing throughout the morning.

The federal defendants arrested today are expected to make their initial court appearances this afternoon in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles. Many of the defendants face a 10-year statutory maximum penalty of life in prison, if convicted, and some of the defendants face life in prison, if convicted on all charges.

Several agencies participated in the execution of arrest and search warrants this morning, to include agents and officers with the Ontario Police Department; L.A. IMPACT; U.S. Immigration, Customs Enforcement Homeland Security Investigations; and the Los Angeles Police Department.

This case is being prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles.

An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in court.