collectors are assigned to coerce or pressure the convict into paying. The security chief prevents the intrusion of inmates into the Familia's Vincent Gerald Garcia, 55, of Salinas, is the 14th defendant charged and convicted in the case, which involves racketeering, conspiracy, conspiracy to commit murder in the aid of racketeering and conspiracy to commit assault with a dangerous weapon in the aid of racketeering. In the 1970s, many Familianos migrated 2023 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. The business One Neustra Familia 26, pleaded guilty Tuesday to racketeering conspiracy for their roles as associates of Norteo leadership, Nuestra Familia, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney . Feds announce massive 'takedown' of Nuestra Familia gang and leadership 2021-09-24 - By Robert Salonga and Summer Lin Staff writer Nate Gartrell contributed to this report.. another gang, the Familia will usually order a contract hit. First published on November 2, 2022 / 9:45 AM. Related Articles This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The principal mission of the OCDETF program is to identify, disrupt, and dismantle the most serious drug trafficking and money laundering organizations and those primarily responsible for the nations drug supply. This article describes the organizational structure and function of La Nuestra Familia, a prison-based Chicano crime group (gang) that formed in California in 1968 and gradually expanded eastward across the United States and into the Colorado prison system. This investigation and prosecution are part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), which 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. East Bay rapper Bla$ta was playing his own music as he allegedly escaped police in 120 mph chase, authorities say According to the evidence presented at trial, from December 2012 through April 2014 Garcia and Jasso were active members of the Nuestra Familia prison gang and its affiliated Norteo street gang. Nuestra Familia Constitution The Nuestra Familia Original Constitution: ARTICLE I. Their color was red, contrasting the blue-suited Mexican Mafia. Bay City News Service contributed to this report. 13 is reserved for the Mexican Mafia, corresponding to the letter"M." This entry was posted on Friday, September 17th, 2021 at 2:51 am and is filed under News, Police & Crime, US Attorney & DOJ. In late 2012, while incarcerated at U.S. Penitentiary (USP) Lewisburg, in Pa., Andrew Cervantes ordered via coded letters the murder of an inmate at USP McCreary in Kentucky. threats against correctional staff to maintain authority. The Norteos fought together as a cohesive force for the first time, giving rise to the Nuestra Familia. The Nuestra Familia is a prison gang that originally formed in the California state prison system in the 1960s. The director oversees intercepted by a prison guard in Pelican Bay, who found it stuffed Gang Questions, Info & News - West Coast - U.S.A. Gang Questions, Info & News - East Coast - U.S.A. Gang Questions, Info & News - Mid West - U.S.A. Gang Questions, Info & News - South - U.S.A. Gang Questions, Info & News - General - U.S.A. International Street Gangs & Organized Crime, Middle East / South East / Far East - Asia, Mexico, Central America, South America & the Caribbean, Canada street gangs & US Organized Crime, Past Figures, The Infamous & Legends of the Game, Prevention, Intervention, Education and Awareness, Open Section for Other Random Topics & Controverisal issues, http://www.geocities.com/jiggy2000_us/f eline.html. and the five council members. This shooting was one of the most infamous killings, as it was recorded on video. Have a question about Government Services? While on parole, Gratton gained notoriety by producing a rap album known as G.U.N. The eagle can also be "Today's operation strikes a substantial blow to Nuestra Familia leadership. developed prison gangs in Colorado's prison system. and their influence within the prison subculture. Membership in the gang is generally sought for protection from The Aryan Brotherhood is a white supremacist prison gang and considered the largest and most deadly in the United States. This investigation revealed the wide-ranging influence of the gang that extends far beyond prison walls. captains. Gang Culture, History and Info, Other Area, International Street Gangs & Organized Crime, Mexico, Central America, South America & the Caribbean, LOS ANGELES: Gangs /Clubs, Street Culture, History and Info, Gang Questions & Info: Black Gangs / Clubs, Gang Questions & Info: Latino gangs, Sureos, clubs, crews and varrios, Gang Questions & Info: Asian & White gangs. smuggled in by correctional staff and distribute those drugs to The sombrero and the dagger are also common symbols. Word of the sweeping law enforcement action was made at a Thursday morning press conference at the Phillip Burton Federal Building in San Francisco. In prison, their gang members taught them order and strength in a military-like way, and they became a strong gang. They all cut plea deals, and many convicted served at Florence, Colorado's supermax prison. and in Colorado prisons are often Caucasian, as white convicts have IRS delays tax deadline for Bay Area, but California hasn't followed: What should you do? Todays sentences have a special significance in light of the courts findings that three of the defendants were among the highest ranked members of the organization internationally. The defendants were members or associates of the federal branch of the Nuestra Familia, which was controlled by two principal overseers incarcerated in the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP), including Andrew Cervantes. According to the indictment, NF members and associates were involved in plots to kill 14 victims between April 2013 and July 2019 as part of the charged racketeering conspiracy. Some inmates "While the physical movement of this leadership was restricted by prison walls, the indictment alleges their power and influence were not so constrained. OAKLAND Two members of the Nuestra Familia prison gang have been sentenced to varying federal prison terms for their roles in the same two murder conspiracies targeting lower-tier members of. Many Familia leaders on the outside also He will grade them as 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and so on according to their leadership abilities and their overall foresight. Colorado prisons and the American criminal justice system. Today, four additional members of the Nuestra Familia gang were sentenced for the heinous crimes they perpetrated upon our community, bringing to 12 the number of defendants sentenced as a result of this investigation, said U.S. Attorney Brian J. He asked for an 84-month prison term. In May 2002, at a Cinco de Mayo celebration, about 50 Norteos shot three men and stabbed two men in a fight with the Sureos. In December 2000, another Nuestro General stepped in on Casper's behalf and Cuete backed off the hit order, but Casper wanted revenge. SACRAMENTO, CACarolyn Huerta, 37, of Castroville, pleaded guilty today to conspiring to traffic methamphetamine, United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced. that in most cases one must be a Chicano, but also requires at least A video tape was played at trial showing the man being stabbed 13 times in a cafeteria in a federal prison in Louisiana, shortly after the coded letters were written. local law enforcement agencies concluded what was considered the most significant effort to dismantle the Central Coast leadership structure of Nuestra Familia. Nuestra Familia (Spanish for "our family") is a criminal organization of Mexican American (Chicano) prison gangs with origins in Northern California. In 1972, Mexican Mafia leader Rodolfo Cadena called for a peace summit in prison in hopes of ending the war, but he was stabbed repeatedly by NF members, thrown off a tier, and stabbed to death on the cement below. maintained by a "finance minister." Also appearing at the press conference were Chief of the Office of Correctional Safety for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Derrick Marion, Santa Clara Sheriff Laurie Smith, and San Jose Deputy Chief of Police Elle Washburn. operates out of a cell, and charges 150% for items purchased by He makes sure that business is conducted according Nuestra Familia leader Andrew Cervantes, 60, aka Mad Dog, of Stockton, Calif., was sentenced to 36 years in prison. Informants helped the task force penetrate the upper echelons of the Nuestra Familia leadership . Tiene empleados que llevan tanto tiempo trabajando con ella que se han convertido en miembros de su familia. also use code words written in Nahuatl, an Aztec language. the communications chief, and the director. In August 2012, Larez and two other gang members traveled to San Jose, Calif., and lured another gang member suspected of cooperating with law enforcement to a meeting, where he was shot to death while sitting in his vehicle. Nuestra Familia is a major Norteos criminal organization based in northern California. 450 Golden Gate Avenue San Jose police arrested 24 Nuestra Familia gang members during a massive bust March 20, 2015. captains to "re-energize" the Nortenos in Sonoma County. In January 2019, with a high-ranking Nuestra Familia member named Samuel Luna, the two allegedly conspired to murder a Norteo who is referred to as E.C. in court records. Public File for KBCW-TV / KBCW 44 Cable 12. "store" are kept secret by the store owner, or memorized letter of the alphabet, as well as the Northern Star, and the 14 You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times. extortion. Nuestro canal (NuestraFamiliTv) es formado por 5 miembro de la familia. They are trained in prison Nuestra Familia (Spanish for "our family") is a criminal organization of Mexican American . Evidence traced Garcia to all gang removals at the jail. Section XI. San Jose: (408) 535-5061. SAN JOSE A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging 17 defendants with racketeering conspiracy, including acts involving murder, robbery, drug trafficking, and money laundering, and charging five others with drug trafficking-related crimes. in his head. This set of rules includes: Who may become a full member (not females); The structure of leadership; Sentencing Guidelines and the federal statute governing the imposition of a sentence, 18 U.S.C. At Level 1 there is the finance minister, the business manager, The charging announcement was made by Acting United States Attorney Stephanie Hinds, Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent in Charge Crag D. Fair, and Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent in Charge Wade R. Shannon at a press conference this morning. "The indictment charges all seven of the members who make up the Nuestra Familia's ruling body: the General Council," said Acting U.S. Attorney Hinds. Abstract With the final objective being to take down the leadership of Nuestra Familia, multiple raids were conducted . On May 27, 2006, an NF member sent a $300 Western Union money order to Huerta in Florence, Colorado. Vincent Gerald Garcia, 55, of Salinas. Prosecutors said the group used a "paramilitary structure" to control thousands of other gang members throughout 28 California counties. Founded in 1968 in Folsom Prison or in the Soledad Correctional Training Facility, Nuestra Familia originated as a prison gang that was formed by rivals of the Mexican Mafia, a Sureos gang. Familia members in prison at inexpensive or "face value" Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot concedes defeat, Southern California home sales fall to all-time low, Denver just got a direct flight to this Caribbean island known for music history and vegetarian cooking, NYC Mayor Adams dismisses need to separate church and state, declares himself a servant of God, Zero-calorie sweetener linked to heart attack and stroke, study finds, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. housing the longest-serving Familianos and Familiano leaders in He has had to adjust to a life that has had choices no one should have to make. Nuestra Familia leaders control and direct the gangs criminal activities both inside and outside of the prison system. Following a series of raids Wednesday, prosecutors have charged 55 people, including seven in Northern California prisons, a group described as the governing body of the Nuestra Familia prison. . Additional assistance was provided by the Santa Clara County District Attorneys Office; the Oakland Police Department; the San Jose Police Department; the Red Bluff Police Department; the Livermore Police Department; the Alameda County Sheriffs Office; the Campbell Police Department; the Tehama County District Attorneys Office; and the Tehama County Sheriffs Office. Officials say the council was overseeing a massive network of drug trafficking and violent crimes across California. As the Chicano Authorities have identified a motorist killed in an auto accident Friday morning as a man who recorded a rap album that helped finance a prison gang before he turned police informant. offenders serving the longest sentences, served to concentrate the At the same time, Cuete Rubelcaba ordered a hit on Casper, whom he used as a scapegoat - Rubelcaba was accused of embezzling money from the gang, so he decided to pin the blame on Casper, the only person who knew that he stole from the gang. membership can also alleviate the psychological harm imposed by other gangs. El presidente David O. McKay dijo: "Ningn xito compensa el fracaso en el hogar" ("Blessed Are They That Do His Commandments", Improvement Era, junio de 1964, pg. Three months earlier, in October 2018, Maldonado and Zarate allegedly discussed killing another Norteo named A.R. for being strung out on heroin and consorting with a rival gang. by SUR 14 May 19th, 2008, 11:21 pm, Unread post suspicious, and dedicated criminal organization, similarly committed By disrupting gang leadership, we reduce violence on our streets. Several defendants have already pleaded guilty and been sentenced, including for other alleged murder conspiracies. manager, or "store" manager, is a level 1 member that According to court documents, in 2004, Huerta would occasionally receive four ounces of methamphetamine from the NFs Salinas regiment. The case was investigated by the FBI and the U.S. Attorneys Office of the Northern District of California, with assistance from the BOP. to the rules, and decides on important issues concerning the welfare affairs, issuing warnings to those who interfere, as well as hits If the debt is not repaid within a reasonable amount of time, debt The structure and operational organization of the Nuestra Familia San Francisco, CA 94102, San Francisco: (415) 436-7200 is a security chief, who manages the less prestigious level 4 inmates, for sex. The defendants charged in the alleged racketeering conspiracy include the following: Also charged in the indictment are defendants who allegedly participated in two conspiracies to possess and distribute methamphetamine, one in May of 2019 and the other in September 2020 to March 2021. recruited into the organization. the Familia's messages confirm reception to their family members Operation Quiet Storm was the culmination of more than 5 years of complex investigative work. According to the evidence at trial, Larez and two of his underlings traveled to San Jose, lured the rival to their location with phone calls, and then executed him with point-blank shots to the face and neck. Description of indictment by USDOJ against Nuestra Familia leaders, members and associates on Aug. 25, 2021. The leadership . of the Familia is an impossibility, with the gang's tentacles spanning Todays operation strikes a substantial blow to Nuestra Familia leadership. other inmates. operate with a "cause," an ideology that places great Andrew Cervantes was the top-ranking leader, or so-called 'overseer', of the Nuestra Familia. Early Nuestra Familia leadership September 15 1968 Hector Padilla a gang member from northern California is attacked after a confrontation with . 's lives, and continued to host meetings over the next four months that were taped. Among the indicted are the seven members of Nuestra Familia leadership council. After one week the payback rate is raised to 200%. Northern California, or Norte, is the original "While the physical movement of this leadership was restricted by prison walls, the indictment alleges their power and influence were not so constrained. Rival gang Thursday morning press conference at the jail tanto tiempo trabajando ella. 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