Raid targets Hispanic gang in Victorville

VICTORVILLE - Nearly 100 members of a local Hispanic gang with ties to the Mexican Mafia were targeted in a two-year investigation that culminated Thursday in a sweep that spanned two counties.

About 100 law enforcement officers participated in "Operation Jokers Wild" to serve 75 arrest warrants for members of the notorious East Side Victoria Gang, which has terrorized the city for three decades.

Sheriff's detectives paid early morning visits to 40 homes in Victorville, Hesperia, Adelanto, Apple Valley, Oro Grande, Fontana, Rialto and Murrietta.

Pulled from bed and arrested on a variety of charges were 37 gang members. Another 20 or so were already behind bars. At least one assault rifle and one handgun were seized, along with gang paraphernalia.

"This will represent a sizable dent in the gang presence in the Victor Valley," said First District Supervisor Brad Mitzelfelt, who represents the High Desert.

Authorities touted the investigation's success at a news conference held at the Victorville Fairgrounds, where handcuffed gang members were brought to be photographed and processed.

Many sat in metal chairs in the back of the room, staring straight ahead or scowling as county leaders expressed gratitude and pride in the detectives who spent countless hours building a case against East Side Victoria.

There are close to 200 documented gang members, many of whom are accused of murder, home invasion robbery, trafficking methamphatamine and guns, numerous assaults and extortion.

An indictment listing the targeted gang members and detailing their alleged crimes was sealed Thursday. The gang members arrested in the sweep are scheduled to be arraigned today in San Bernardino Superior Court.

"This is serious business we're talking about," said District Attorney Michael A. Ramos. "This is a gang that terrorized this area of the county for three decades."

A permanent gang injunction remains in place against East Side Victoria, which claims Old Town Victorville as its turf. Granted in 2007, it was the Sheriff Department's first gang injunction.

The gang's top two shotcallers were already in custody but the number three man, Joel "Bouncer" Pompa, was picked up during the sweep, said Deputy District Attorney Britt Imes.

Pompa worked as a drug dealer and "tax collector" who collected money that was then funneled to the Mexican Mafia.

Founding member Fred "Joker" Archuleta was already in prison. Authorities said Archuleta went back behind bars in 2007 for a parole violation and George "Rascal" DeGraw took control of the gang early last year.

DeGraw, who is the Mexican Mafia's connection to the High Desert, is still jailed while awaiting sentencing on an assault with deadly weapon case. Prosecutors also charged him in July with being a prisoner in possession of a weapon, according to court records.

Detective Jeremy Martinez, case agent on the investigation, said he hopes the operation will ease the minds of residents who fear coming forward and reporting gang crimes.

Violent crimes "were not being reported due to fear of retaliation by the gang," said Sheriff Rod Hoops. "But they have spent over two years on this investigation and as Sheriff, I'm very proud of the work they've done."

stacia.glenn@inlandnewspapers.com, (909) 386-3887

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