L.A. Gang Targeted in Federal Racketeering Indictment

News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: January 19, 2011
Contact: SA Sarah Pullen Public Information Officer
Number: 213-621-6827

Los Angeles Street Gang Targeted in Federal Racketeering Indictment

JAN 19 - LOS ANGELES – A joint federal-state law enforcement operation this morning led to the arrest of 27 people linked to a Lennox street gang, some of whom are named in a federal racketeering indictment that alleges the gang is a criminal enterprise that has engaged in violent crimes, extortion and narcotics trafficking. Some of those taken into custody today face federal charges, others will be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution on various offenses, and some are allegedly illegal immigrants who face criminal prosecution and deportation.

Today’s operation involved nearly 500 law enforcement personnel and is the result of an 18-month investigation by the federal Southern California Drug Task Force and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. The centerpiece of the investigation is an 11-count indictment that alleges violations of the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act. The indictment charges 15 defendants, with six of those being named in the RICO count. Nine of the defendants named in the RICO indictment were taken into custody this morning, and two were already in state custody.

“The drug-related violence of street gangs continues to inflict devastation in many of our communities,â€

27 Mexican Mafia associates arrested, indicted in Los Angeles

January 23rd, 2011 6:39 pm ET

by Jim Kouri


A joint federal-state law enforcement operation Friday morning led to the arrest of 27 people linked to a street gang with ties to the Mexican Mafia, some of whom are named in a federal racketeering indictment that alleges the gang is a criminal enterprise that has engaged in violent crimes, extortion and narcotics trafficking.

Some of those taken into custody -- members of Los Angeles' Lennox 13 -- face federal charges, while others will be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution on various offenses, and some are allegedly illegal immigrants who face criminal prosecution and deportation.

The widespread operation involved nearly 500 law enforcement personnel and is the result of an 18-month investigation by the federal Southern California Drug Task Force and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

The centerpiece of the investigation is an 11-count indictment that alleges violations of the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act. The indictment charges 15 defendants, with six of those being named in the RICO count. Nine of the defendants named in the RICO indictment were taken into custody Friday morning, and two were already in state custody.

Additionally, authorities arrested one woman on a federal weapons charge, eight on state narcotics charges, five on probation violations, two on federal criminal charges of illegal re-entry after deportation, and two on suspicion of being illegal aliens.

The federal indictment that led to this takedown focused on Lennox 13, a street gang that was formed in the mid-1960s by Mexican-Americans in the Lennox area of Los Angeles County. Lennox 13 now consists of approximately 650 members, with approximately 250 members regularly conducting criminal activities. The “13â€

How come they all have hispanic names? What about the wonderful "family values" we are forced to hear so much about? Doesn't seem to add up of you ask me. :?

In any event....ALL gangs are criminal enterprises, assembled for the purpose of engaging in criminal activity and should be pursued under RICO statutes.

Look at all those anchor babies we are STILL paying for.