Dozens of members of the notorious Mexican Mafia were recently arrested in a crackdown due to increased criminal activity occurring in Los Angeles County jails. Federal agents worked with local police in a coordinated operation that was the result of two cases. These cases resulted in 32 suspects being taken into federal custody, in addition to the several dozen people named who were already incarcerated. The cases named 83 people. Some of these people avoided justice, and remain fugitives.
Those named in the case will face a variety of charges and possible sentences. If you or someone you know has been charged with a crime in the Los Angeles area, contact a Los Angeles criminal defense attorney or staff member at Spolin Law P.C. For a free, confidential case evaluation, call us at (310) 424-5816 today.
Charges the Mexican Mafia Members May Face
The operation targeting Mexican Mafia members was part of a large federal investigation into the gang’s activities. Many of those named in the report were charged as part of a racketeering conspiracy. Through an elaborate communication network, gang leaders distributed orders to lower-ranking agents. This network allowed the leaders to control gang territory, collect taxes on contraband, and even arrange for those who disobeyed the gang’s wishes to be assaulted.
Drug trafficking made up a large portion of the gang’s activities. The gang used their extensive contacts to facilitate drug sales all over the Los Angeles area. In some instances, they even introduced drugs into prisons to be sold. Members would purposefully get arrested for minor crimes to smuggle drugs in.
Location of Mexican Mafia Leaders
The Mexican Mafia is a recognized presence on the streets of Los Angeles. They have used their vast network of influencers and informants to establish themselves as a powerful force in the prison system. In addition to smuggling drugs, prosecutors say that high-ranking gang members were able to orchestrate all sorts of illicit activity while behind bars. Murders, attempted murders, assaults, and kidnappings were all executed on orders that came from prisoners.
Not only did the Mexican Mafia conduct a vast array of illegal business from inside prison, they also took a cut of any other business being conducted. Any organization that wanted to sell contraband was forced to give a portion of its stock to the Mexican Mafia. There was even a period of time when the gang collected a share of commissary sales.
Levels of Mexican Mafia Operatives
According to prosecutors, the gang members working throughout the prisons operated at various levels of the organization’s hierarchy. These started with the highest-ranking officials who made the most important decisions. Their second in command handled the day-to-day gang business. There were also several high-ranking women, or “secretaries,” making sure communications were delivered both in and out of prisons.
I’m Facing a Criminal Charge in Los Angeles, What Can I Do?
The Mexican Mafia raids are an indication of law enforcement cracking down on criminal activity. All those indicted, even those who were already in prison, will face criminal charges. Some 500 law enforcement officers were involved in the operation. This is a clear show of force. It indicates that law enforcement is placing a big target on gang-related activity, and casting their net wide.
Being linked to a crime of any nature can be terrifying. You may fear for your reputation, your job, or even your personal safety. If you’re facing a criminal charge in the Los Angeles area, contact Spolin Law P.C. to talk to a knowledgeable criminal defense attorney or staff member. The criminal justice system can be a scary place, and you shouldn’t have to face that fear alone. Call us today at (310) 424-5816, or reach out online for a free case consultation.