El Centro Sector Border Patrol Arrests Murder Suspect and Wanted Interpol Trafficker

Salton City, Calif. – Two individuals were arrested this weekend with warrants. One individual had a $10 million warrant for murder and the second individual had a warrant issued by Interpol for Italian law enforcement authorities.

The first arrest occurred on Friday at 9:30 p.m. at the Highway 86 Checkpoint near Salton City. Border Patrol agents performed record checks on an individual during a secondary inspection. The record checks revealed an outstanding $10 million warrant out of Los Angeles for murder. The individual is a 19-year-old United States citizen. He was turned over to the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office for extradition to the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department.

In a separate incident on Saturday evening, Border Patrol agents assigned to the Calexico station apprehended a Romanian national with an outstanding Interpol warrant for narcotic trafficking.

The Romanian national was arrested with a group of eight Romanians who attempted to illegally enter the United States. Record checks revealed that the suspect, a 31-year-old male, is wanted by Italian authorities on suspicion of drug trafficking. Through coordinated efforts, Border Patrol agents and Washington D.C. Interpol authorities confirmed the warrant of the wanted suspect.

The Border Patrol turned over custody of the suspect to Immigrations & Customs Enforcement for extradition proceedings to Italian authorities.

El Centro Sector Border Patrol agents have arrested 1,167 individuals with outstanding warrants since October 2011.

The El Centro Border Patrol’s “See Something, Say Something” Campaign is a simple and effective program to increase the safety and welfare of the Imperial Valley by bringing public awareness to the indicators of crime and other threats. The community plays a key role keeping our country safe by identifying and reporting suspicious or criminal activity. We encourage Imperial Valley residents to report any suspicious activity to the Border Community Threat Hotline at (800) 901-2003.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the unified border agency within the Department of Homeland Security charged with the management, control and protection of our nation's borders at and between the official ports of entry. CBP is charged with keeping terrorists and terrorist weapons out of the country while enforcing hundreds of U.S. laws.

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.

Downey Resident Suspected in Plain Jane Bank Robbery Series Arrested After Tip Received

A woman suspected in several bank robberies and attempted bank robberies during July was taken into custody Thursday evening after deputies with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and an FBI agent responded to a tip from the public.

Sylvia Helen Garcia, 38, of Downey, was arrested near her residence in the city of Downey at approximately 5:30 p.m. on Thursday afternoon. At the time, Garcia was driving a silver vehicle that matched the description provided by several witnesses to the bank robberies in which she’s suspected. Additional evidence tying Garcia to the bank robberies was also recovered during the arrest.

The Plain Jane Bandit was the moniker given to an unidentified female bank robber who was linked to eight bank robberies, two of which were attempted robberies, since July 12, 2012. The first two robberies in the Plain Jane series took place in the cities of Santa Fe Springs and Whittier. The latest robbery took place in the city of Cerritos on Tuesday, July 31. The suspect was also linked to robberies in the cities of Moreno Valley, Buena Park, and Wildomar and attempted robberies in the cities of Moreno Valley and Downey.

During the bank robberies attributed to the Plain Jane Bandit, the suspect demanded cash from victim tellers, in some cases, specifying amounts of several hundred dollars. During the robberies, the suspect used written and verbal demands and indicated that someone, possibly an accomplice, was waiting for her outside the bank, according to witnesses. Garcia is currently the only suspect in custody in connection with the bank robberies.

Witnesses had described the suspect as an Hispanic female between 35-40 years old and possibly driving what was described by witnesses as a four-door, silver vehicle.

During an interview with a witness in one of the earlier robberies, the suspect’s appearance was described as that of a “plain jane.”

Garcia is currently being held at the Lakewood Sheriff’s Station and is expected to be charged with bank robbery on Monday.

Law enforcement received numerous tips during this investigation, in large part due to the broad media coverage. Additional information about bank robbers currently wanted by the FBI’s Los Angeles Division’s seven-county territory and our law enforcement partners can be found at www.labankrobbers.org.

The investigation of this suspect is being conducted by members of the FBI and the following departments: the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department; the Whittier Police Department; Moreno Valley Police Department; Buena Park Police Department; and the Downey Police Department.

Media Contact:

FBI Press Relations: 310 996-3343

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department: 323 267-4800

Federal Criminal Cases Target Narcotics Trafficking Related to Pasadena Denver Lane Bloods Street Gang

LOS ANGELES—An investigation by the San Gabriel Valley Safe Streets Task Force today resulted in the arrest of eight defendants who face federal narcotics trafficking charges. The investigation, which initially focused on drug sales by members and associates of the Pasadena Denver Lane Bloods street gang, also led to the arrest of seven defendants on state charges.

The 15 arrests this morning culminate an 18-month investigation during which dozens of other defendants were arrested on various narcotics and weapons offenses. During the investigation, authorities seized eight firearms, approximately $40,000 in cash, five kilograms of cocaine, and approximately 2.5 kilograms of crack cocaine.

The federal part of the investigation led to two indictments and one criminal complaint that name a total of nine defendants, one of whom is a fugitive. Most of the defendants face potential life sentences if they are convicted.

The investigation that led to today’s arrests was conducted under the aegis of the San Gabriel Valley Safe Streets 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 (Altadena gang detectives and the Community Oriented Policing Services Bureau), the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

“Gang members and drug traffickers are united by the common denominator of greed,” said United States Attorney André Birotte Jr. “Today’s arrests demonstrate again that the Justice Department is committed to working together with its state and local law enforcement partners to protect our communities from the menace of the illegal narcotics trade.”

Steven Martinez, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office, stated, “Today’s arrests are the result of a long-term investigation by the joint task force that targeted gang members and associates alleged to be the driving force behind a drug distribution ring operating in the Pasadena area that’s had a toxic effect on the community. There is no doubt that street gangs corrupt youth and that their drug networks fuel a variety of violent crimes in the communities in which they operate, as a result of monetary disputes, gang rivalries, and incidents associated with addiction.”

One grand jury indictment unsealed this morning charges seven defendants. They are:

• Jesse Vargas, 34, of El Monte;

• Jesus Campos, 43, of La Puente;

• Monte Russell, also known as “Godfather,” 35, of Pomona and Pasadena;

• Cuong Nguyen, also known as “David Thai,” 32, of Mid-City Los Angeles, who authorities are continuing to search for;

• Dayna Guyton, 29, of Pasadena;

• Myoshi Smith, 23, of Bellflower; and

• Lyonel Washington, also known as “Dough,” 33, of Altadena.

Among the specific charges in the indictment are allegations that Vargas on just one day possessed approximately three pounds of cocaine.

The other two defendants charged in federal court are:

• Keno Monteze Norris, 33, of Pasadena, who is charged in an indictment with distributing crack cocaine; and

• John Eugene Brown, 48, of Pasadena, who is charged in a criminal complaint with possession with the intent to distribute crack cocaine.

The eight defendants arrested today on federal charges are expected to make their initial court appearances this afternoon in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles.

Indictments and criminal complaints only contain allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in court.

The Burbank Police Department and the Monterey Park Police Department provided support during today’s operation.

The investigation that resulted in today’s arrests started only weeks after two grand jury indictments targeting the Denver Lane Bloods and the gang’s drug trafficking in the Antelope Valley were unsealed (see: http://www.justice.gov/usao/cac/Pressroom/pr2010/118.html).