L.A. city prosecutors file lawsuit aimed at MS-13 gang

2:51 PM, February 13, 2009

Los Angeles city prosecutors filed a lawsuit today aimed at curtailing gang and narcotics activity at a Pico-Union apartment complex, which authorities contend is the epicenter of the Mara Salvatrucha gang’s empire.

The drug abatement and public nuisance lawsuit seeks a court order forcing the apartment owner to curtail criminal activity at the property. It also seeks an order appointing a receiver who would assume control of managing of the property. The lawsuit is the latest effort by City Atty. Rocky Delgadillo’s office to use the civil courts to crack down on alleged gang hangouts. Prosecutors allege owner Jacob Libman allows the gang -- known as MS-13 -- to live in, and use, the building as a stronghold for illicit activity.

“We are using every tool against this gang,â€