The San Diego teens had told family they were going to Ensenada for a barbecue the night before but didnt return home as planned. They also seized methamphetamine, heroin and firearms as part of the investigation. Callery said that the targets of Operation Crystal Shield were purchasing over 100 pounds of meth a week, "which is an enormous amount for any city in the United States, Callery said. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Maximum Penalties: Importation of Methamphetamine Charges: Life in prison with a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a $10 million fine. Whoops! 880 Front Street, Room 6293 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. Learn more about how we use cookies in our cookie policy. San Diego, California 92101-8807, Telephone: (619) 557-5610 The FBI disrupted two dozen illegal gambling dens in San Diego Wednesday morning in sweeping raids across the city. This prosecution is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) investigation. All rights reserved, 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. Maximum Penalties: For Possession with Intent to Distribute and Distribution of Methamphetamine Charges: Forty years imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and a $5 million fine. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Our free newsletter is delivered at 8 a.m. daily. 841(a)(1)). A locked padlock Maximum Penalties: For Felon in Possession of Firearm Charge: 10 years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. The fourth alleged leader, Israel Alejandro Vazquez-Vazquez, is charged separately in a March 2021 indictment. The indictments allege that many of these gambling locations were taking in thousands of dollars a day. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. 841(a)(1)). Whoops! 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. 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. The 19-count indictment charges a total of 19 defendants with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum 10-year prison sentence and a statutory maximum penalty of life imprisonment. 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. Toll Free (800) 544-1106 According to court records, it is common for gambling den owners to pay rent in cash to the owners of these properties and, in some cases, a percentage of the profits to cast a blind eye to all the foot traffic. Attorneys Matthew J. Sutton and Adam Gordon. FBI.gov is an official site of the U.S. Department of Justice. A lock ( But lawyers for the hospital say the medical records show he was unconscious. For firearms charges: Ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Numerous crimes have been linked to the illegal gambling operations, said SDPD Chief David Nisleit. Additional partner agencies participating in the takedown. A lock () or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. 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. The governments case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Please reload the page and try again. Edgar Herrera Pardo oversaw a group of enforcers called Los Cabos who worked to secure the Baja California corridor for the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, according to prosecutors. San Diego, California 92101-8807, Telephone: (619) 557-5610 Our team of experts has selected the best teeth whitening gel out of hundreds of options. "Gangs, drugs and illegal firearms are infesting many of our neighborhoods and creating a violent culture that is unsafe for residents," Acting U.S. Attorney Randy S. Grossman said. 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.. For further information contact:Assistant U. S. Attorneys A. Dale Blankenship (619) 546-6705, Assistant United States Attorney Robert S. Trisotto of the Riverside Branch Office is prosecuting this case. 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. June 15, 2021 4:10 PM PT Four men alleged to be leaders in a Mexican cartel enforcement cell have been indicted in San Diego on drug-trafficking charges and are accused of orchestrating a. The operation resulted in 35 arrests and charges against 47 people, according. As a result of the collaboration of federal, state and local law enforcement officials, law-abiding citizens who live in these neighborhoods will be safer without these magnets for crime in their midst. He was previously designated under the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act for allegedly laundering money for top cartel leaders, including Joaquin "El Chapo'' Guzman Loera, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. Some of that violence was aimed at three teenagers on Nov. 24, 2018. 841(a)(1); Felon in Possession of a Firearm, in violation of Title 18, U.S.C., Secs. "They're also supplying a deadly stream of methamphetamine and other deadly drugs. A mugshot of Edgar El Caiman Herrera Pardo from his 2019 arrest in Mexico. Help us grow with a monthly contribution. The FBI said that those arrested Wednesday ranged from owners of the businesses to those who acted as security doormen and bankers, as well as the drug dealers who operated within the dens. Alexander Yoichi Duberek, 25, was indicted in September 2021. *The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty. Nearly a dozen federal indictments were unsealed in San Diego Thursday charging 23 documented gang members and associates with trafficking drugs and firearms, with the defendants largely hailing from gangs operating in the South Bay region. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Grossman said that Assistant U.S. Attorney and Matthew J. Sutton will be one of the lead prosecutors on the case. Randy Dalo says he awoke during neck surgery at UCSD Hillcrest and has suffered from nightmares ever since. The indictment details the conspirators efforts in April 2020 to smuggle 46.6 pounds (21.2 kilograms) of methamphetamine from Mexico across the U.S port of entry at Calexico and into Riverside County. 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. Criminal Records and Contact Info aggregated from real law enforcement agencies and government court houses. For firearms charges: Ten years in prison, and a $250,000 fine. 841(a)(1). Grossman said law enforcement has seized more than 200 pounds of methamphetamine, 90 firearms and more than $200,000 during the investigation. The trio was tortured for about two hours before being killed, according to the Baja California Attorney Generals Office. Slaphouses are named for the button-bashing sound made by patrons playing on illegal machines. 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. Todays enforcement action is another example of why the Task Force was established to be a force multiplier and combine short term, street level enforcement activity with long term, sophisticated techniques to root out and prosecute the entire criminal enterprise., I would like to recognize the cooperation between all agencies who took part in this operation, said San Diego Police Chief David Nisleit. 922(g)(1). The indictment charges 17 foreign nationals with distributing thousands of encrypted communication devices to criminal syndicates, advertising the devices as "designed by criminals for criminals." maps_and_photos_4-14-21x.pdf unsealed_sw_21mj1300.pdf 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. Anti-aging serums in particular offer many benefits to aging and mature skin. DEFENDANT Case Number: 21CR1406-DMS, DEFENDANT Case Number: 21CR1407-DMS, DEFENDANTS Case Number: 21CR1408-DMS. Prosecutors said many of the defendants are either members or associates of gangs, some of which have longstanding ties to the Mexican Mafia. They operated out of South Bay communities including National City and San Ysidro. "Together, these cities account for about 75% of all methamphetamine traffic within the United States.". Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF. The investigative work led by the Violent Crimes Task Force and the arrests made have created a safer environment for all of our communities.. Lock Maximum Penalties: For Illegal Gambling Business Charge: Five years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. The indictments are part of a yearlong investigation involving wiretaps, undercover drug and gun purchases and "extensive surveillance," according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. Also arrested were alleged drug dealers who operated within the dens. 808 UNION STREET SAN DIEGO, CA, 92101. Maximum Penalties: For Maintaining Drug Involved Premises Charges: Five years imprisonment and a $500,000 fine. Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substance, in violation of Title 21, U.S.C., Secs. Maximum Penalties: For Distribution of Methamphetamine Charge: life in prison with a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a $10 million fine. 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. We won't use your email for any other purpose, and you can opt out at any time via an unsubscribe link. Main Office: These establishments are equipped with electronic gambling machines which are programmed with several games of chance such as poker, blackjack, keno, jacks or better, and slot games. We won't use your email for any other purpose, and you can opt out at any time via an unsubscribe link. A locked padlock Authorities have also seized drugs, cash and guns in connection with the investigation. 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.. That is, until today.". There was an error and we couldn't process your subscription. The defendants are charged in two separate indictments with submitting fraudulent claims to California's Employment Development Department. Your email address will not be published. Official websites use .govA .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. So far, 44 of the 60 defendants are already in state or federal custody, the prosecutor said. The FBIs Inland Empire Safe Streets Task Force investigated this matter. DEFENDANTS Case Number: 21CR1404-DMS. Grossman also praised Assistant U.S. Our DA team worked tirelessly with the Violent Crimes Task Force and the U.S. Attorneys Office assisting with critical search warrants during the course of this operation.. Name, email and comment will be stored in our database. The main draw to illegal gambling establishments is methamphetamine use and sales, according to the indictments. Maximum Penalties: For Felon in Possession of Firearm Charge: Ten years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. Authorities also seized methamphetamine, heroin and firearms as part of the investigation. 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2). No Thanks 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. lawyer found dead in Mexico speaks, O.C. Doctor and Office Manager Indicted in Scheme to Defraud Medicare, Manufacture and Distribute Fentanyl. 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? With the generous support of readers like you, Times of San Diego publishes timely and accurate news coverage for a better-informed community. FBI Ten Most Wanted Fugitive Michael Pratt Captured in Spain. 619-232-4311. He NEVER lets me be by myself. Maximum Penalties: For Possession with Intent to Distribute and Distribution of Methamphetamine Charges: Life in prison with a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a $10 million fine. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. MCC San Diego is a prison complex that contains An administrative security metropolitan correctional center. 1998 - 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved. Nearly a dozen federal indictments were unsealed in San Diego Thursday charging 23 documented gang members and associates with trafficking drugs and firearms. Casino.org is the worlds leading independent online gaming authority, providing trusted online casino 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. According to court records, it is common for employees to hand out small amounts of methamphetamine and comp customers to keep them playing and coming back for more. The members of the ring will face firearm, money-laundering and drug-distribution charges. The investigation leading to these federal charges focused on the criminal activities of the Riverside-based Casa Blanca Rifa criminal street gang to combat drug trafficking and associated violence in Riverside and the surrounding community. The U.S. Attorneys Office said 38 defendants remain outstanding as of Thursday afternoon. Its rare to have a patron who does not use or sell methamphetamine inside these locations. Official websites use .gov 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. An official website of the United States government. With the generous support of readers like you, Times of San Diego publishes timely and accurate news coverage for a better-informed community. 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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Attorneys from the Department of Justice, Office of Enforcement Operations, Electronic Surveillance Unit, also provided critical assistance to the investigation. They often spring up behind seemingly vacant storefronts in areas where retail has taken a downturn. Possession with Intent to Distribute/Distribution of Methamphetamine (Title 21, U.S.C., Sec. 952 & 960). 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. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. 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. Typically, they operate 24/7 and have remained open throughout the pandemic. Espinoza lived in San Diego and also had a residence in Minnesota, which has been seized as part of the investigation. We have taken down the illegal gambling dens, and we have lifted a weight off our neighborhoods, said Acting U.S. Attorney Randy Grossman. Maximum Penalties: Importation of Methamphetamine Charges: Forty years imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and a $5 million fine. Vasquez is accused of coordinating the killings, according to a U.S. Attorneys Office motion to unseal the charges. ) 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. 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. The operation resulted in 35 arrests and charges against 47 people, according to federal indictments unsealed Wednesday. 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. 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. The defendants arrested today are expected to make their initial appearances this afternoon in the United States District Court in Riverside and downtown Los Angeles. Federal Office Building Importation of Methamphetamine (Title 21, U.S.C., Secs. 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. 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. In total, authorities seized 2.1 kilograms of methamphetamine, 160 grams of heroin, and nine firearms tied to these defendants during the investigation. Most locations of these establishments are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. TTY: (619) 557-3450. 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.