) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Typically, they operate 24/7 and have remained open throughout the pandemic. - A Jefferson City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing a firearm and methamphetamine to distribute. Dont buy a teeth whitening gel before reading these reviews. This serves as another example of what happens when you bring together dedicated law enforcement professionals using a comprehensive approach to detect, disrupt, and dismantle these criminal operations., Numerous crimes have been linked to the illegal gambling operations, said SDPD Chief David Nisleit. Incentives for staying, playing and dining local, Local students can apply for 140+ college scholarships, Lisa Marie Presleys death deferred by L.A. coroner, Family of O.C. If you sell drugs in San Diego, we will find you and prosecute you to the full extent of the law.. He awaits extradition to the U.S. Additional information about the OCDETF Program can be found at https://www.justice.gov/OCDETF. 952, 960 and 963; Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin, in violation of Title 21, U.S.C., Sec. The indictment also charges some of the defendants with conspiracy to import methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, being a felon in possession of ammunition, and attempted international money laundering. Many of the defendants are documented members or associates of violent South Bay street gangs operating out of National City, San Ysidro, and elsewhere. Today we sent a message to drug traffickers in our community, U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer said. Mexican authorities have not released further details about the case, including why the teens might have been targeted. Those arrested are slated to be arraigned in San Diego federal court Friday afternoon. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Enter address: This website, like most media sites, uses small files called cookies to anonymously customize the advertising that you see. Distribution of Methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, U.S.C., Sec. for adult inmates in San Diego, California in San diego that opened in 1974. This yearlong investigation involved federal wiretaps, dozens of undercover drug and gun buys and extensive surveillance. Slaphouses are named for the button-bashing sound made by patrons playing on illegal machines. This effort is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation. "Gangs, drugs and illegal firearms are infesting many of our neighborhoods and creating a violent culture that is unsafe for residents," Acting U.S. Attorney Randy S. Grossman said. ) A San Diego man who killed his boyfriend by stabbing him 93 times was sentenced today to life in federal prison, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Leigha Simonton. A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. The gambling dens continued to operate during the pandemic. Casino.org is the worlds leading independent online gaming authority, providing trusted online casino They have been linked to drugs and violent crime. Maximum Penalties: For Distribution of Methamphetamine Charge: Forty years imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and a $5 million fine. A grand jury indictment was unsealed Tuesday charging 60 alleged members of a San Diego-based methamphetamine distribution network with ties to the Sinaloa cartel with federal drug. In total, law enforcement seized more than 150 pounds (68 kilograms) of methamphetamine and $31,035 in cash during this investigation. "From the evidence gathered in this case, the IRS and our law-enforcement partners were able to identify the mechanics of the money-laundering organization," Korner said at the news conference. The U.S. Attorneys Office said 38 defendants remain outstanding as of Thursday afternoon. The members of law enforcement at the news conference were flanked by two tables bristling with firearms of all types, as well as boxes at their feet bearing more weapons. Reporters Notebook: California border remains top fentanyl trafficking gateway into U.S. Judge sentences boat pilot to 18 years in prison for three smuggling deaths, Truth or a simple dream? Los Cabos also frequently targeted law enforcement in Tijuana and are accused of killing at least three police officers, according to prosecutors. RIVERSIDE, CA Law enforcement authorities today arrested 12 defendants charged in a federal grand jury indictment alleging they conspired to traffic large quantities of methamphetamine from their suppliers in Mexico into and throughout the Inland Empire. California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, San Diego County District Attorneys Office. It is common for employees to hand out small amounts of methamphetamine and comp customers to keep them playing and coming back for more, reads the warrant. The defendants arrested today are expected to make their initial appearances this afternoon in the United States District Court in Riverside and downtown Los Angeles. 841(a)(1)). An official website of the United States government. Both were arrested in April on charges of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and are currently in federal custody. Maximum Penalties: Importation of Methamphetamine Charges: life in prison with a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a $10 million fine. 808 UNION STREET SAN DIEGO, CA, 92101. The investigation leading to these federal charges focused on the criminal activities of the Riverside-based Casa Blanca Rifa criminal street gang to combat drug trafficking and associated violence in Riverside and the surrounding community. Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine (Title 21, U.S.C., Sec. "Together, these cities account for about 75% of all methamphetamine traffic within the United States.". 12.23.2022. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. San Diego, California 92101-8807, Telephone: (619) 557-5610
A lock ( The indictments allege that illegal gambling dens were often located inside small businesses or inside houses, apartments, and outbuildings in residential neighborhoods predominantly in City Heights, in the East San Diego area. "They're also supplying a deadly stream of methamphetamine and other deadly drugs. A locked padlock Maximum Penalties: For the drug charges: Life in prison with a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a $10 million fine. The "massive" San Diego network moved "tons" of meth around the nation, including to Hawaii, Arizona, Texas, Kansas, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, as well as to Australia and New Zealand, Grossman said. Toll Free (800) 544-1106
619-232-4311. In May 2020, another co-conspirator allegedly attempted to drive a load of 90.4 pounds (41 kilograms) of methamphetamine into the United States from Mexico through the San Ysidro port of entry. June 15, 2021 4:10 PM PT Four men alleged to be leaders in a Mexican cartel enforcement cell have been indicted in San Diego on drug-trafficking charges and are accused of orchestrating a. Lock The main draw to illegal gambling establishments is methamphetamine use and sales, according to the indictments. He was previously designated under the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act for allegedly laundering money for top cartel leaders, including Joaquin "El Chapo'' Guzman Loera, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. Please reload the page and try again. We won't use your email for any other purpose, and you can opt out at any time via an unsubscribe link. 880 Front Street, Room 6293
952 and 960; Maximum Penalties: For the drug charges: Life in prison with a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a $10 million fine. Those cases are pending prosecution in Mexico. Whoops! Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Three men identified by authorities by first name only were arrested in Mexico in connection with the slayings about six weeks later. Importation of Methamphetamine (Title 21, U.S.C., Secs. As a result of the collaboration of federal, state and local law enforcement officials, law-abiding citizens who live in these neighborhoods will be safer without these magnets for crime in their midst. No Thanks The investigative work led by the Violent Crimes Task Force and the arrests made have created a safer environment for all of our communities., This joint operation is a prime example of what can be accomplished when law enforcement works together to respond to community concerns over increased crime in their neighborhoods, said San Diego County District Attorney Summer Stephan. According to a search warrant affidavit, the investigation into the network dubbed Operation Crystal Hydra began in the spring of 2020. Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, U.S.C., Secs. Three of the indicted individuals were already in custody prior to the takedown. A consumer advocacy group had sought emails, meeting schedules and other records after The San Diego Union-Tribune reported that the insurance commissioner had accepted political contributions from insurers and intervened in administrative cases to benefit some donors. As a result of the collaboration of federal, state, and local law enforcement officials, law-abiding citizens who live in these neighborhoods will be safer without these magnets for crime in their midst.. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. We are committed to dismantling violent gangs and holding their members accountable for criminal conduct., The FBI is proud to work alongside our local, state, and federal partners on the Violent Crimes Task Force to address the gang problem and rid our streets of the overflow of drugs and guns which continue to plague our communities, said FBI Special Agent in Charge Suzanne Turner. 12.06. . SAN DIEGO - A federal grand jury has indicted 47 people who are allegedly associated with illegal gambling establishments that are closely tied to gangs, drugs and violence in San Diego neighborhoods. Many of these gang have long-standing ties to the Mexican Mafia. Grossman also praised Assistant U.S. There was an error and we couldn't process your subscription. As of Thursday afternoon, 17 of the 23 defendants all identified as San Diego residents ranging in age from 23 to 60 were in federal or state custody. Specifically, on June 8, 2021, a federal grand jury indictment resulting from the sting operation was unsealed in San Diego. According to the warrant, the use and sale of methamphetamine is intrinsically linked to slaphouses and acts as a draw to bring customers to the venues. Here's How to Check Your Bill, Rainstorms Are Boosting San Diego's Water Supplies But It's Not Enough, Beaches Up and Down San Diego County Closed After Sewage Spills, Watch Live: Maya Millete Case Updates During Larry Millete's Hearing on Murder Charge, SUV Appears Split in Half After Oceanside Crash That Killed Mom, 6-Year-Old, Injured 4 Others, That's Where She Told Me That She Needs a Place to Live,' Maya Millete's Sister-in-Law Testifies. I am particularly grateful to FBI Special Agent in Charge Suzanne Turner, SDPD Chief David Nisleit, and District Attorney Summer Stephan for their work on this investigation and their dedication to keeping our community safe., These gambling dens were not only host to illegal gambling, but a hub for a variety of other criminal activity to include drug trafficking and unlawful possession of firearms, said FBI Special Agent in Charge Suzanne Turner. Help us grow with a monthly contribution. To protect their illegal operations, the defendants used encrypted communications services to communicate with each other. Assistant U. S. Attorneys Matthew J. Sutton (619) 546-8941 and Adam Gordon (619) 546-6720. Matthew Brehm (619) 546-8983. Maximum Penalties: For Maintaining Drug Involved Premises Charges: Five years imprisonment and a $500,000 fine. Maximum Penalties: Importation of Methamphetamine Charges: Forty years imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and a $5 million fine. 841(a)(1)). They often spring up behind seemingly vacant storefronts in areas where retail has taken a downturn. The people selling drugs inside may be employees or independent drug dealers. FBI.gov is an official site of the U.S. Department of Justice. DEFENDANTS Case Number: 21CR1405-DMS. Felon in Possession of a Firearm (18, U.S.C., Secs. Anti-aging serums in particular offer many benefits to aging and mature skin. The FBI said that those arrested Wednesday ranged from owners of the businesses to those who acted as security doormen and bankers, as well as the drug dealers who operated within the dens. So far, 44 of the 60 defendants are already in state or federal custody, the prosecutor said. Most locations of these establishments are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Main Office:
The governments case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. The culmination of a year-long investigation has netted the arrests of 47 people who are charged for allegedly distributing methamphetamine, heroin and fentanyl throughout Southern California and laundering tens of thousands of dollars in narcotics proceeds back to Sinaloa-Cartel associated drug traffickers in Mexico.. Acting U.S. Attorney Grossman praised the coordinated federal and state team effort in the culmination of this investigation. Felon in Possession of a Firearm, in violation of Title 18, U.S.C., Secs. Earlier this month, a man who allegedly laundered drug money for the Sinaloa Cartel was arraigned in San Diego federal court on conspiracy charges. Grossman said that Assistant U.S. Attorney and Matthew J. Sutton will be one of the lead prosecutors on the case. The Grand Jury investigates the operations of governmental programs of the County, cities and special districts. Christopher Alexis Gomez, 17, and Juan Suarez-Ojeda, 18, both U.S. citizens from San Diego, and Angel Said Robles, 17, of Tijuana were in a Tijuana apartment when a group of people burst in. The CJNG is considered the most dangerous, well-armed and fastest-growing cartel in Mexico. Criminal Records and Contact Info aggregated from real law enforcement agencies and government court houses. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS Assistant United States Attorney Robert S. Trisotto of the Riverside Branch Office is prosecuting this case. A locked padlock All rights reserved, $51.3M Erased From Overdue SDG&E Bills. SAN DIEGO Federal authorities unsealed indictments Thursday against 85 alleged members of East San Diego County drug distribution and money laundering networks linked to the Sinaloa. Get FBI email alerts Callery said that the targets of Operation Crystal Shield were purchasing over 100 pounds of meth a week, "which is an enormous amount for any city in the United States, Callery said. The drug-trafficking organization, known by its Spanish initials CJNG, has risen in influence in recent years and has been battling the more entrenched Sinaloa Cartel for control of the lucrative Tijuana-San Diego smuggling route. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. A locked padlock The group is accused of dispatching large groups of armed killers to take over the region, including planning more than 150 murders in a roughly six-month period, most of them in Tijuana, according to a court-authorized interception of a group chat described in a recent court filing. An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Your email address will not be published. DEFENDANTS Case Number: 21CR1409-DMS, DEFENDANT Case Number: 21CR1410-DMS. Grand Jury. Please look at the time stamp on the story to see when it was last updated. Grossman described Operation Crystal Shielf as a "multi-jurisdictional investigation targeting a sophisticated San Diego-based network used by the Sinaloa Cartel to distribute methamphetamine throughout the United States and to smuggle drug proceeds back into Southern California.". Toll Free (800) 544-1106
Federal Office Building
Name, email and comment will be stored in our database. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Copyright 2023 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. Gangs, drugs, and illegal firearms are infesting many of our neighborhoods and creating a violent culture that is unsafe for residents, said Acting U.S. Attorney Randy S. Grossman. However, surveillance, phone records, financial documents, undercover agents and wiretaps were utilized to track the defendants communications and locations, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office. Maximum Penalties: For Felon in Possession of Firearm and Ammunition Charges: years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. Some of that violence was aimed at three teenagers on Nov. 24, 2018. OCDETF identifies, disrupts, and dismantles the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, gangs, and transnational criminal organizations that threaten the United States by using a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach that leverages the strengths of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies against criminal networks. Doctor and Office Manager Indicted in Scheme to Defraud Medicare, Manufacture and Distribute Fentanyl. lawyer found dead in Mexico speaks, O.C. Two additional defendants were charged in separate indictments in March in connection with this case, bringing the number of defendants charged so far to 21. Its rare to have a patron who does not use or sell methamphetamine inside these locations., We have taken down the illegal gambling dens, and we have lifted a weight off our neighborhoods, said Acting US Attorney Randy Grossman. Additional partner agencies participating in the takedown. Our DA team worked tirelessly with the Violent Crimes Task Force and the U.S. Attorneys Office assisting with critical search warrants during the course of this operation.. Fax: (619) 546-0720
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