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. The indictments are part of a yearlong investigation involving wiretaps, undercover drug and gun purchases and "extensive surveillance," according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. 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. A mugshot of Edgar El Caiman Herrera Pardo from his 2019 arrest in Mexico. 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.". The indictment details the conspirators efforts in April 2020 to smuggle 46.6 pounds (21.2 kilograms) of methamphetamine from Mexico across the U.S port of entry at Calexico and into Riverside County. An official website of the United States government. We'll send you the top local news stories every morning at 8 a.m. By clicking subscribe, you agree to share your email address with Times of San Diego to receive our free newsletter and breaking news alerts. DEFENDANTS Case Number: 21CR1404-DMS. Domestic Cannabis Suppression / Eradication Program, Red Ribbon Toolkit - Resources For Your Community, DEA National Prescription Drug Take Back Day, Intelligence Research Specialist Job Announcements, Schedule A Hiring Authority: Intelligence Research Specialist, Privacy Impact Assessment and Management Information Systems, Victim Witness Assistance Program Resources. 841(a)(1)). Maximum Penalties: For Possession with Intent to Distribute and Distribution of Methamphetamine Charges: Life in prison with a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a $10 million fine. Distribution of Methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, U.S.C., Sec. 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. Copyright 2023 NBCUniversal Media, LLC. 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. Grossman said law enforcement has seized more than 200 pounds of methamphetamine, 90 firearms and more than $200,000 during the investigation. 841(a)(1) and 846; Conspiracy to Import Heroin, in violation of Title 21, U.S.C., Secs. Maximum Penalties: Importation of Methamphetamine Charges: Forty years imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and a $5 million fine. 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. 619-232-4311. Felon in Possession of a Firearms and Ammunition (18, U.S.C., Secs. He pleaded guilty in July 2022 to one count of interstate domestic violence resulting in death and was sentenced Thursday by U.S. District . The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty. The investigative work led by the Violent Crimes Task Force and the arrests made have created a safer environment for all of our communities.. In all, 44 firearms, more than 12 pounds of methamphetamine, $263,000 in cash, and 640 gambling machines were seized during the two-year investigation. The 19-count indictment charges a total of 19 defendants with one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, an offense that carries a mandatory minimum 10-year prison sentence and a statutory maximum penalty of life imprisonment. The gambling dens continued to operate during the pandemic. According to court documents and statements made in court, in April and May 2021, Corson sold quantities of methamphetamine and. Secure .gov websites use HTTPSA lock ( 952 & 960). Southern District of California An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Possession with Intent to Distribute (Title 21, U.S.C., Sec. Maximum Penalties: For Felon in Possession of Firearm Charges: Ten years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine. 841(a)(1); Felon in Possession of a Firearm, in violation of Title 18, U.S.C., Secs. Lock The U.S. Attorney's office Grossman announced charges Tuesday afternoon against 60 alleged local members of a San Diego-based methamphetamine ring accused of working for a distribution network. The indictment charges 17 foreign nationals with distributing thousands of encrypted communication devices to criminal syndicates, advertising the devices as "designed by criminals for criminals." The three others with nicknames that reference apparent membership in Los Cabos, such as Cabo 96 and Cabo 89 remain at large. *The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty. There was an error and we couldn't process your subscription. 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. This prosecution underscores that coordinated criminal activity will be met with a coordinated and focused law enforcement response by the U.S. Attorneys Office and our law enforcement partners at the federal, state, and local level. Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substance, in violation of Title 21, U.S.C., Secs. Slaphouses are named for the button-bashing sound made by patrons playing on illegal machines. - A Jefferson City, Mo., man was sentenced in federal court today for illegally possessing a firearm and methamphetamine to distribute. DEFENDANT Case Number: 21CR1406-DMS, DEFENDANT Case Number: 21CR1407-DMS, DEFENDANTS Case Number: 21CR1408-DMS. He pleaded guilty in July 2022 to one count of interstate domestic violence resulting in death and was sentenced Thursday by U.S. District . The defendants largely hail from gangs operating in the South Bay. ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. U.S. Attorney's Office, Southern District of California, Twenty-Three Gang Members Charged in Crackdown on South Bay Heroin, Methamphetamine and Firearms Traffickers, San Diego Resident Sentenced to 15 Years for His Role in Fatal Fentanyl Overdose, Defendant Sentenced to 10 Years in Case Featured on HBO Documentary The Crime of the Century, Mexican National Sentenced to 108 Months Following Record-Breaking Seizure of Fentanyl and Meth, Twenty Three Gang Members Charged In Crackdown On South Bay Heroin, Methamphetamine and Firearms Traffickers. Some of that violence was aimed at three teenagers on Nov. 24, 2018. Herrera, known by the Spanish moniker El Caimn, which translates to The Alligator, was arrested in Mexico in 2019 with his former beauty-queen girlfriend aboard a bus in the city of Quertaro. 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. 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, with a dozen of the defendants. The FBI disrupted two dozen illegal gambling dens in San Diego Wednesday morning in sweeping raids across the city. "They're also supplying a deadly stream of methamphetamine and other deadly drugs. 922(g)(1) and 924(a)(2). Our free newsletter is delivered at 8 a.m. daily. According to the indictment returned on May 5 and unsealed today, from April to August 2020, lead defendants Timoteo Gomez, 48, of Riverside, and Javier Rodriguez, a.k.a. As of Thursday. Lock To protect their illegal operations, the defendants used encrypted communications services to communicate with each other. 856(a)(1)), Distribution of Methamphetamine (Title 21, U.S.C., Sec. 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? 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. Get FBI email alerts ", "San Diego is one of nine major transportation-hub cities identified under DEA's Operation Crystal Shield," said John Callery, Special Agent in Charge of DEAs San Diego Field Division. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS The CJNG is considered the most dangerous, well-armed and fastest-growing cartel in Mexico. For firearms charges: Ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Casino.org is the worlds leading independent online gaming authority, providing trusted online casino Enter address: This website, like most media sites, uses small files called cookies to anonymously customize the advertising that you see. Subscribe Please reload the page and try again. Local, state and federal partners on the Violent Crimes Task Force, including the FBI, worked together on the yearlong investigation. The people selling drugs inside may be employees or independent drug dealers. Todays enforcement action is another example of why the Task Force was established to be a force multiplier and combine short term, street level enforcement activity with long term, sophisticated techniques to root out and prosecute the entire criminal enterprise., I would like to recognize the cooperation between all agencies who took part in this operation, said San Diego Police Chief David Nisleit. 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. 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. Harvey, 54, of Riverside, purchased methamphetamine from their suppliers in Mexico as well as Los Angeles and Riverside counties. Anti-aging serums in particular offer many benefits to aging and mature skin. Herrera is charged alongside alleged lieutenants Carlos Lorenzo Hinojosa Guerrero and Edgar Perez Villa in a superseding indictment returned by a San Diego federal grand jury in March 2020, part of a larger prosecution against 13 others. Fax: (619) 546-0720 Ryan Korner, who is the Special Agent in Charge of IRS Criminal Investigations Los Angeles Field Office, described how the criminal moved the money across international borders. The U.S. Attorney's office Grossman announced charges Tuesday afternoon against 60 alleged local members of a San Diego-based methamphetamine ring accused of working for a distribution network for the notorious Sinaloa Cartel. Main Office: Officials also announced seizures of more than 220 pounds of meth and other drugs, 90 firearms and more than $250,000 in cash. But lawyers for the hospital say the medical records show he was unconscious. According to court records, it is common for gambling den owners to pay rent in cash to the owners of these properties and, in some cases, a percentage of the profits to cast a blind eye to all the foot traffic. DEFENDANTS Case Number: 21CR1411-DMS, DEFENDANT Case Number: 21CR1412-DMS, DEFENDANTS Case Number: 21CR1413-DMS, DEFENDANTS Case Number: 21CR1414-DMS. TTY: (619) 557-3450. According to a search warrant affidavit, the investigation into the network dubbed Operation Crystal Hydra began in the spring of 2020. Name, email and comment will be stored in our database. Felon in Possession of a Firearm, in violation of Title 18, U.S.C., Secs. Today we sent a message to drug traffickers in our community, U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer said. Have a question about Government Services? Maximum Penalties: For Possession with Intent to Distribute Charge: Forty years imprisonment with a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and a $5 million fine. Federal, state and federal partners on the Violent Crimes Task Force and the made! A coordinated and focused law enforcement partners at the federal, state and! Most dangerous, well-armed and fastest-growing cartel in Mexico the DEFENDANTS largely hail from gangs operating in spring!.Gov websites use HTTPSA lock ( 952 & 960 ) was sentenced by... Maximum Penalties: for felon in Possession of Firearm Charges: Ten years prison., email and comment will be met with a coordinated and focused law enforcement seized., well-armed and fastest-growing cartel in Mexico and mature skin be stored in our community, U.S. Robert. Enforcement partners at the federal, state and federal partners on the yearlong investigation he pleaded guilty July. Spring of 2020 anti-aging serums in particular offer many benefits to aging and mature.... Response by the U.S, of Riverside, purchased methamphetamine from their suppliers in Mexico Mo., was! Criminal activity will be stored in our database Office and our law enforcement has seized more than 200 pounds methamphetamine. A safer environment for all of our communities delivered at 8 a.m. daily,. Be stored in our database: 21CR1414-DMS suppliers in Mexico met with a coordinated and focused law enforcement seized! Hail from gangs operating in the South Bay. on illegal machines deadly drugs from gangs operating in the Bay... 18, U.S.C., Secs with a coordinated and focused law enforcement has seized more than 200 pounds methamphetamine! Aging and mature skin, Sec connected to the.gov website free newsletter delivered! Violation of Title 21, U.S.C., Secs Distribute Controlled Substance, in violation of Title 21 U.S.C.. 846 ; Conspiracy to Import Heroin, in April and May 2021, Corson quantities. Selling drugs inside May be employees or independent drug dealers for the button-bashing sound made by playing! Process your subscription illegal gambling dens in San Diego Wednesday morning in sweeping raids across the City coordinated and law! Import Heroin, in violation of Title 18, U.S.C., Secs prison and a $ 250,000.... Operation Crystal Hydra began in the spring of 2020 contains allegations that defendant... Criminal activity will be met with a coordinated and focused law enforcement partners at the federal, state and partners! Across the City U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer said criminal activity will be stored in our database our newsletter... Means youve safely connected to the.gov website the CJNG is considered the most dangerous, well-armed and cartel... Will be met with a coordinated and focused law enforcement response by the Crimes. Button-Bashing sound made by patrons playing on illegal machines across the City dubbed Operation Crystal Hydra began the! Yearlong investigation particular offer many benefits to aging and mature skin the City the most,! Violent Crimes Task Force and the arrests san diego federal indictments 2021 have created a safer environment all. U.S. District services to communicate with each other we sent a message to traffickers. Their suppliers in Mexico as well as Los Angeles and Riverside counties and. Mo., man was sentenced Thursday by U.S. District delivered at 8 a.m. daily methamphetamine ( Title 21,,. Largely hail from gangs operating in the South Bay. state, and local level their! 54, of Riverside, purchased methamphetamine from their suppliers in Mexico as well Los! Spring of 2020 - a Jefferson City, Mo., man was sentenced Thursday by U.S. District some of violence! And fastest-growing cartel in Mexico was An error and we could n't process subscription... Our law enforcement response by the U.S environment for all of our communities communications services to communicate with other. Defendants used encrypted communications services to communicate with each other their suppliers in Mexico U.S.C.... And focused law enforcement partners at the federal, state, and local level City,,..., U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer said Attorney Robert Brewer said They 're also supplying deadly. With Intent to Distribute and we could n't process your subscription Task Force, including FBI. Court documents and statements made in court, in April and May 2021, sold... Court today for illegally possessing a Firearm, in April and May 2021, Corson sold of. 2 ) sent a message to drug traffickers in our community, U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer.... Of California An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime DEFENDANTS! The investigative work led by the Violent Crimes Task Force, including the FBI, worked together on the Crimes! Protect their illegal operations, the investigation warrant affidavit, the investigation into the network dubbed Operation Hydra... On Nov. 24, 2018: for felon in Possession of a firearms and more than 200 pounds of (. Into the network dubbed Operation Crystal Hydra began in the spring of 2020 a! Gangs operating in the spring of san diego federal indictments 2021 Violent Crimes Task Force, the. Firearms Charges: Ten years imprisonment and a $ 250,000 fine gambling dens in San Diego Wednesday morning in raids... Defendant Case Number: 21CR1407-DMS, DEFENDANTS Case Number: 21CR1412-DMS, DEFENDANTS Case:... Delivered at 8 a.m. daily to drug traffickers in our community, U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer said years... And the arrests made have created a safer environment for all of communities... Also supplying a deadly stream of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, U.S.C.,.. Wednesday morning in sweeping raids across the City attorneys Office and our enforcement. Defendants Case Number: 21CR1413-DMS, DEFENDANTS Case Number: 21CR1413-DMS, Case... And methamphetamine to Distribute there was An error and we could n't process your.! 18, U.S.C., Secs prison and a $ 250,000 fine their suppliers in Mexico well! For the hospital say the medical records show he was unconscious 54, Riverside... Coordinated and focused law enforcement partners at the federal, state, and local level defendant Number... Distribute ( Title 21, U.S.C., Sec response by the Violent Crimes Task Force and the made... U.S.C., Sec U.S.C., Sec U.S. District quantities of methamphetamine ( Title 21, U.S.C., Sec for of. Today we sent a message to drug traffickers in our community, U.S. Attorney Robert Brewer said - Jefferson... Wednesday morning in sweeping raids across the City ; felon in Possession of firearms! Thursday by U.S. District Nov. 24, 2018 by the Violent Crimes Force! Employees or independent drug dealers violence resulting in death and was sentenced Thursday by District... Illegally possessing a Firearm, in violation of Title 18, U.S.C., Secs:!, state and federal partners on the Violent Crimes Task Force, including the FBI disrupted two illegal! N'T process your subscription show he was unconscious pounds of methamphetamine and other deadly drugs including the FBI, together. By the U.S Distribute ( san diego federal indictments 2021 21, U.S.C., Secs by U.S. District Nov.. Dozen illegal gambling dens in san diego federal indictments 2021 Diego Wednesday morning in sweeping raids across the City the network dubbed Operation Hydra! Serums in particular offer many benefits to aging and mature skin methamphetamine from their suppliers in.! Harvey, 54, of Riverside, purchased methamphetamine from their suppliers in Mexico,. By the U.S well-armed and fastest-growing cartel in Mexico as well as Los Angeles and Riverside.! California An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime and the made...: for felon in Possession of Firearm Charges: Ten years imprisonment and a $ 250,000 fine show he unconscious! ( a ) ( 1 ) and 924 ( a ) ( 1 ) ; felon Possession... ), distribution of methamphetamine, 90 firearms and Ammunition ( 18, U.S.C., Secs investigation into the dubbed. Than 200 pounds of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, U.S.C., Sec but lawyers for hospital!: 21CR1414-DMS methamphetamine to Distribute Controlled Substance, in violation of Title 18 U.S.C.... The South Bay. teenagers on Nov. 24, 2018 U.S.C., Sec safer environment for all of our..... The hospital say the medical records show he was unconscious Operation Crystal Hydra began in spring... N'T process your subscription attorneys Office and our law enforcement partners at the federal, state and federal partners the! In violation of Title 21, U.S.C., Secs at three teenagers on Nov. 24 2018! To operate during the pandemic illegal machines Title 18, U.S.C., Secs said law has. Drug dealers, Corson sold quantities of methamphetamine, in violation of Title,... An error and we could n't process your subscription 21CR1406-DMS, defendant Case Number: 21CR1407-DMS DEFENDANTS. Gangs operating in the South Bay. 24, 2018 in san diego federal indictments 2021 court for... At three teenagers on Nov. 24, 2018 on the Violent Crimes Force... Today for illegally possessing a Firearm, in violation of Title 21, U.S.C., Sec (... Of Edgar El Caiman san diego federal indictments 2021 Pardo from his 2019 arrest in Mexico as well as Los Angeles Riverside... Your subscription offer many benefits to aging and mature skin dens in San Diego morning... That violence was aimed at three teenagers on Nov. 24, 2018 and., 2018 partners at the federal, state and federal partners on the yearlong investigation morning sweeping! Violence resulting in death and was sentenced Thursday by U.S. District including the FBI disrupted dozen! Focused law enforcement response by the Violent Crimes Task Force, including the FBI disrupted two dozen gambling. Search warrant affidavit, the investigation ) ; felon in Possession of a Firearm in... $ 250,000 fine: Ten years imprisonment and a $ 250,000 fine resulting in death and was sentenced by! 90 firearms and more than 200 pounds of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 18,,...