Press Release
For Immediate Release
July 10, 2009

Washington D.C.
FBI National Press Office
(202) 324-3691


FBI’s Top Ten News Stories for the Week Ending July 10, 2009

1. St. Louis/Kansas City/Springfield/Dallas: Nationwide Crackdown on Dog Fighting

In multiple cases around the country, many people were taken into custody for operating numerous dog fighting ventures. As of 07/08/09, at least 350 dogs had been seized as part of the investigation. Charges against the defendants include conspiracy to travel across state lines to sponsor a dog in an animal fighting venture and to aid in illegal gambling and bookmaking activities, among others. Full Story – St. Louis | Full Story – Kansas City | Full Story – Springfield | Full Story – Dallas

2. Los Angeles: Largest Gang Case in U.S. History with Nearly 200 Defendants Named in Federal Indictments

In the nation’s largest-ever gang investigation and prosecution, a law enforcement task force arrested on 07/08/09, an additional 11 defendants named in federal charges that are linked to the Hawaiian Gardens gang that was previously the subject of a sweeping racketeering indictment. With the investigation dubbed Operation Knock Out drawing to a close, federal authorities have unsealed indictments charging 192 defendants, and 132 of those defendants have been taken into custody. With dozens of arrests leading to charges being filed in state court, Operation Knock Out has led to more than 300 gang members and associates being taken off the street. Full Story

3. Salt Lake City: Alleged Utah Drug Dealers, Distribution Organizations Targeted in Three Significant Federal Indictments

Fourteen individuals are charged in three federal indictments with violations of federal drug laws in connection with the alleged distribution of cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine in Utah. The indictments follow a significant 16-month investigation into drug trafficking organizations conducted by the FBI, Sandy City Police Department, the Utah County Major Crimes Task Force and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Full Story

4. San Diego: Indictment Charges Civilian Navy Employees and Contractors with Fraud and Bribery

A 25-count indictment was unsealed on 07/07/09, charging six individuals with corruption and fraud charges related to defense contracting at Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR), a government organization based in San Diego that is responsible for the development of technology to collect, process, display and manage information essential to successful military operations. Full Story

5. Las Vegas: Aryan Warrior Gang Members Convicted in Federal Racketeering Case

Following a seven-week federal jury trial, five members of the Aryan Warriors prison/street gang were found guilty of conspiracy to engage in a racketeering organization (RICO) or conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. The racketeering charges include multiple acts involving murder, attempted murder, extortion, operating an illegal gambling business, identity theft and fraud and drug trafficking. Full Story

6. Atlanta: Illegal Immigrants Sentenced in Georgia for Kidnapping, Abusing Drug Dealer

Victor Abiles Gomez, Omar Mendoza-Villegas, and Gerardo Solorio Reyes, a/k/a “Gera,â€