17 Arrested for Gang Activity in Sacramento Area
Law enforcement officials in the Sacramento area announced that 17 individuals have been arrested on charges related to gang activity. The arrests come after a two-month investigation into the activities of several gangs operating in the area.
Investigation Details
The investigation involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Sacramento Police Department, the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office, and the California Highway Patrol. The agencies worked together to gather information about the gangs’ activities, including drug trafficking, weapons offenses, and other crimes.
The investigation also revealed the gangs’ involvement in a recent uptick in violence in the area. Sacramento Police Department Chief Daniel Hahn stated, “This operation has removed several of the most violent and active gang members from our streets.”
Arrest Details
Of the 17 individuals arrested, several were already in custody on unrelated charges. The remaining suspects were taken into custody during a series of coordinated raids that began early in the morning on September 16th.
The suspects face a range of charges, including weapons offenses, drug trafficking, and conspiracy. Several of the suspects, including known gang members, have prior convictions.
Law enforcement officials stressed that the arrests were part of an ongoing effort to curb gang activity in the area. Sacramento County Sheriff Scott Jones stated, “We will continue to work together to target and dismantle these violent street gangs.”
Community Response
The arrests have been met with mixed reactions from the local community. Some residents expressed relief that law enforcement officials are taking action to address gang-related crime in the area. Others expressed concern about the impact of the arrests on the suspects’ families and the broader community.
The Sacramento Police Department and other law enforcement agencies have stated that they are committed to striking a balance between protecting the community and respecting individuals’ rights. Chief Hahn stated, “Our ultimate goal is to make our community safer for everyone.”
Moving Forward
The arrests are a significant step in the ongoing effort to address gang activity in the Sacramento area. Law enforcement officials and community leaders alike recognize that more work needs to be done to address the root causes of gang involvement and to support individuals who may be at risk of joining gangs.
As the investigation and prosecution of the arrested individuals move forward, community members will be watching closely, hoping for both justice and positive change in their neighborhoods.
On November 8, 2012, Public Affairs Specialist Gina Swankie with the US Attorney’s Office announced that the Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Task Force (SSTF) arrested 17 individuals and conducted 11 search warrants in the Sacramento area. The investigation targeted the trafficking of methamphetamine and firearms.
The Investigation seized the following:
• about 25 pounds of methamphetamine and 40 pounds of marijuana
• significant amounts of cocaine, heroin, and oxycontin
• about $35,000 in cash
• 30 weapons with ammunition
• 12 cars, some luxury models like Lexus and Cadillac
The defendants were either members of or connected with the Nuestra Familia prison gang. The following defendants were arrested for methamphetamine charges and/or firearms violations:
• Vidal Dominic Fablela, “Spider”
• Zubulen Cole Hughes, “Zeb”
• Alberto Miranda, “Chingy”
• Angelo Lorenzo Gonzales, “Lo”
• Mario Hernandez Garcia, “Chic”
• Jaime Ysidro Sturgis, “Hollywood”
• Rudolph Edward Jimenez, “Pooh Bear”
• Jose Andre Jaramillo, “Dre”
• Alvaro Herrera, “Tuffy”
• Arthur Albert Morales, “Art”
• Cilvino Dejesus Hernandez, “Geto”
• Juan Carlos Palacios Venegas, “Chayito”
• Rusty Allen Rycraft, “Rusty”
• Jesse Anthony Montanez, “Papas”
• Ramon Jose Levario, “Kiko”
• Sonny Melvin Gonzales, “Sonny G”
• Zachary Kurtz, “Zach”
The SSTF uses combined efforts from the following departments and agencies: FBI, Sacramento Police Department, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, and the California Highway Patrol. The following agencies also helped with the investigation: National Gang Intelligence Center, U.S. Bureau of Prison, Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department, and U.S. Federal Probation.
Herbert M. Brown, the Special Agent in Charge of the Sacramento Division for the FBI, stated: “Removing dangerous drugs and violent criminals from our neighborhoods is essential to ensure a bright future for our families. Takedowns such as these demonstrate that the FBI and its task force partners are committed to disrupting violent gang activity and improving the quality of life in our communities.”
Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation
