Mexican Mafia member sentenced to 26 years in prison

Posted: Dec 03, 2010 5:59 PM PST
Updated: Dec 03, 2010 5:59 PM PST

SAN DIEGO (CNS) - A Mexican Mafia member who admitted participating in the prison gang's robberies, kidnappings, extortion and drug trafficking in Southern California and elsewhere was sentenced Friday to more than 26 years in federal prison.

Mauricio Mendez, 37, of San Diego, pleaded guilty in September to conspiracy to conduct enterprise affairs through a pattern of racketeering and brandishing a firearm during a crime.

Mendez also admitted carrying out a home invasion robbery in Coronado, in which he pulled out a firearm to prevent the occupants from leaving.

He was sentenced to 318 months behind bars by U.S. District Judge Janis Sammartino.

Mendez was prosecuted as part of "Operation Keys to the City," a yearlong investigation conducted by the multi-agency San Diego Violent Crimes Task Force-Gang Group that targeted the criminal activities of the Mexican Mafia, or La Eme, and Hispanic street gangs with ties to the Mexican Mafia.

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