GANGLAND GODFATHER

leader of a Mexican Mafia prison gang has been sentenced to life in prison without parole in San Diego federal court. Prosecutors say 31-year-old Salvador Perez was sentenced Friday in District Court, after pleading guilty two years ago to racketeering conspiracy charges. The charges followed a lengthy investigation of San Diego street gangs with ties to the Mexican Mafia. Perez is the last of 35 defendants to be sentenced after that probe. In October 2007, Perez admitted participating in the June 2002 murder of inmate Jabila Barragan in Susanville. U.S. Attorney Karen P. Hewitt says Perez also acknowledged that the Mexican Mafia engages in murder, attempted murder, drug sales, robbery and money laundering.

Los Angeles Police detectives are investigating a gang drive-by shooting that claimed the life of 18-year-old Christopher Herrera and wounded another.On Saturday, May 23, 2009, at around 2:50 a.m., Christopher Herrera and his friend, a 16-year-old girl, were walking in the 700 block of South Normandie Avenue in Koreatown when they were approached by an unknown vehicle. Multiple shots were fired at them, striking both of them. The suspects were only described as male Hispanics who drove away after the shooting. Herrera died from his injuries and his friend underwent surgery and is listed in stable condition at a local hospital.The motive for the shooting is gang-related.

Investigators say while working undercover, they bought the drug ecstasy from Rambo. He then allegedly told them about his wife and how they were able to hide drug money. Police say that is when they began to investigate. Rambo’s wife is 39-year-old Grace Kopacz. She is a law partner with Mokaram Freeman & Kopacz. Their offices are located in the Galleria area, where on Friday afternoon, police came and arrested Kopacz. Kopacz and her husband have been charged with money laundering and are scheduled to appear before a judge in the Harris County Criminal Justice Center this week. Kopacz has also been charged with insurance fraud. The DEA says she recently filed an insurance claim stating that one of her vehicles had been stolen, but she allegedly had arranged for her vehicle to disappear. We don’t know how Kopacz originally met her husband, but he has been in trouble with the law before. The DEA says he is a member of the Dirty White Boys prison gang, a group that associates itself

Elvin Payton, 26, and Beatrice Rosado, 24, both of the 700 block of North Avers Avenue, are both charged with first-degree murder in the slaying of Michael Norton, 55, of unincorporated DuPage County near Glen Ellyn. Rosado also faces an unrelated battery charge.Cook County Criminal Court Judge Adam Bourgeois today ordered them both held without bond. Norton was killed on May 14 around 7 p.m. at his store in the 4700 block of West North Avenue, according to police.The corner store uses an address of 1555 N. Cicero Ave.Although police said that the slaying was related to a robbery of the store, residents of the building and neighbors had said Norton was threatened by gangbangers after he evicted a woman from the building, which he owned, about two weeks before his slaying.Today, Asst. State’s Atty. Joy Tolbert Nelson said Rosado, who apparently had the lease on the apartment, was evicted two weeks before the slaying, along with Payton, who lived with her.Payton is an admitted member of

Three dots,tres puntos in Spanish represented: the three words Mi Vida Loca. My Crazy Life.The tattoo is often seen on the hands of members of MS-13, the gang known internationally as La Mara Salvatrucha.The police gang unit began to log its contacts with the man, Jose Adolfo Aldana-Ramirez, an immigrant from El Salvador. Officers noted his clothing and his companions, some of whom were MS-13 members alreadydocumented by the unit.This month, Aldana-Ramirez pleaded guilty to participating in a criminal gang, a charge that state lawmakers enacted 10 years ago to crack down on gang crimes.Since then, the charge has been used in 116 felony cases in Franklin County, including 25 times against juveniles, a review of court records shows.Though not used frequently, the law has helped lock up some of the 1,000 or so gang members in Columbus, police and prosecutors say. It carries a sentence of up to eight years in prison.''That's a pretty big hammer to hit somebody with,'' s

Cortez Brown “killing machine,” sentenced the admitted Gangster Disciple to death. On Friday, a different judge in the same courthouse — citing “staggering” and “damning” new evidence — overturned Brown’s murder conviction and ordered a new trial. Cheers erupted in the courtroom, and Brown clenched his fists as Judge Clayton Crane sided with Brown’s attorneys, who said their client confessed to murder in 1990 only after being beaten by detectives working under former Chicago Police Cmdr. Jon Burge.In making his ruling, Crane said he was at a disadvantage because all three of the detectives who originally interrogated Brown took the stand this week, only to invoke their Fifth Amendment right not to testify.“My advantage is I have some additional evidence as to the behavior of some, if not all, of the detectives in this case,” Crane said. “That evidence is staggering. That evidence is damning.”Crane did not cite specific evidence and declined to elaborate after his ruling. Brown’s attorn

"(Varrio Hawaiian Gardens) gang members take pride in their racism and often refer to the VHG Gang as the 'Hate Gang,'" the main indictment states. "VHG gang members have expressed a desire to rid the city of Hawaiian Gardens of all African-Americans and have engaged in a systematic effort to achieve that result by perpetrating crimes against African-Americans."Latino street gang has waged a racist campaign to eliminate black people from a Southern California city through attempted murders and other crimes. Five indictments charged a total of 147 members and associates of the Varrio Hawaiian Gardens gang, and federal and local agencies arrested 63 of them by early Thursday, U.S. Attorney Thomas P. O'Brien told a press conference.O'Brien asserted it was "the largest gang takedown in United States history," but he did not immediately elaborate. The indictments detail attempted murder, kidnapping, firearms, narcotics and other charges related

Jorge Andrade faces a sentence of life in prison after being found guilty Wednesday of murder and committing a felony while an active participant in a street gang. Prosecutors say the 25-year-old Andrade and two fellow gang members kidnapped, then fatally shot 16-year-old Innocente Barrera in August 2004. They say Andrade then ordered that Barrera be left in a car and the vehicle set afire. The two alleged accomplices are awaiting trial.

A judge has sentenced 28-year-old Riel Mitchell to eight years in prison for the arson death of 14-year-old Nathan Starr. Mitchell, who was originally charged with second-degree murder, pleaded guilty to manslaughter last week in the midst of his preliminary hearing. Starr died of smoke inhalation after the Mountain Avenue home he was staying in was set on fire Dec. 4, 2007. A second accused, 17-year-old Dylan Atkinson, pleaded guilty to manslaughter earlier this year and was sentenced as an adult to seven years in prison. Mitchell claimed -- and the Crown was in no position to disprove -- that he accompanied Atkinson and another male to the home with the intention of confronting or assaulting a man Atkinson said had previously beaten him. Defence lawyer Zaheel Zaman told court Mitchell was intoxicated and "couldn't rule out whether there was a discussion as to an arson happening." "The tragedy cannot be measured here," said Judge Wanda Garreck. "This was a

Italian police on Thursday seized millions of counterfeit dollars, an arsenal of weapons and a fake police uniform from a top Cosa Nostra family. They said the operation indicated the clan was gearing up for a war for control of organised crime in the Sicilian capital.Two sawn-off shotguns, a pump-action shotgun, a .357 magnum revolver and thousands of rounds of ammunition were found stashed inside walls in two Palermo homes. The ten million of fake dollar bills are believed to have been stockpiled by late boss Gaetano Lo Presti to fund a looming war, police said.There have been several recent sweeps that have provided evidence of moves to claim the Palermo throne from the jailed dons once commanded by ex-boss of bosses Bernardo Provenzano.Provenzano was arrested three years ago after 43 years in hiding. Cosa Nostra is not thought to have elected a supreme boss to replace him but the Palermo post is up for grabs, police say.Thursday's operation was hailed by Anti-Mafia Commission m

Arrested; - Randy Tyler, 23, of Merced, a suspected leader of the gang, - Frederick Mays, 21, of Merced also a suspected leader of the gang, - Lamont Lavell Andres, 35, of Merced; - Michael Buddy Barret, Jr., 31, of Atwater; - Eric Devon Beavers, 23, of Merced; - Antoine Lee Briggs, 27, of Merced; - Jaray Julius Jaso, 30, of Merced; - Sudi Dumaka Johnson, 23, of Modesto; - Jose Ascencio Magana, 24, of Merced - Patrick McMurray, 22, of Merced - Lutricia Marie Moore, 23, of Atwater - Damien Ricardo Perry, 26, of Merced - Denicio Taylor Ramos, 22, of Merced - Mckinley Jabree Sims III, 32, of Merced - Lester Archie Turner, 24, of Merced; and - Alejandro Joseph Zavala, 28, of Turlock.Arrested 15 members of the Merced Gangster Crips on charges of conspiracy, drug-trafficking, and weapons sales. "For too long, the notorious and violent Merced Gangster Crips have terrorized Merced with their extreme violence, street drugs and powerful weaponry," Brown said. "A member of this gan

United Nations gang member, who was wanted on a Canada-wide warrant for conspiracy to commit murder, turned himself in to authorities Wednesday.Dilun Heng is charged with conspiring to kill Abbotsford's Bacon brothers and their associates in the Red Scorpions gang, according to a news release.Heng is the last person to be arrested after police announced the charges against eight UN gang members and their associates on Friday.Dilun Heng turned himself in to Vancouver Provincial Court Sheriffs. His surrender means Lower Mainland police have now arrested all five of the alleged gang members wanted on charges of plotting to kill the notorious Bacon brothers. Heng was considered to be armed and dangerous. Police announced Friday that five additional United Nations gang members or associates now face charges of conspiracy to murder Jonathan, Jamie and Jarrod Bacon as well as their associates.Besides Heng, police named senior UN members Daniel Ronald Russell as well as members or associat

Eight men linked to the United Nations gang have been charged in Canada with plotting to kill members of a rival gang, officials said.The Vancouver Sun reported Saturday the men are accused of planning to kill brothers Jonathan, Jarrod and Jamie Bacon of Abbotsford and other members in their Red Scorpion gang.The newspaper reported that five of the gang members were arrested Friday. Among them is Jon Croitoru, a 43-year-old former professional wrestler known as Johnny K-9, who also is allegedly linked to a double-murder and a police station bombing in Ontario.Authorities said U.N. gang founder Clay Roueche, who just pleaded guilty to trafficking charges in the United States, was also involved in the murder conspiracy, but has yet to be indicted.Prosecutor Ralph Keefer said there is evidence to charge Roueche."Before we decide whether it is in the public interest to proceed with a conspiracy charge against Clay Roueche, we want to await the outcome of his drug charges south of the

Trial for the leading members and associates of the Aryan Warriors is scheduled to start Monday under heavy security.Federal authorities say members of a white supremacist prison gang are expected to disrupt the federal trial of six members and associates who face racketeering charges.A federal judge last week issued an order to allow prosecutors to keep the names and statements of 10 witnesses from the defense until just before they testify. Prosecutors say threats were made against some of the witnesses and the judge ruled that the gang is capable of carrying out the threats.Prosecutors have said the gang was responsible for manufacturing and distributing methamphetamine and marijuana in Nevada prisons and in the cities of Las Vegas, Reno and Pahrump

Barrio Azteca Members are said to have been bringing large amounts of cocaine and marijuana into the United States, crossing it in from Ciudad Juarez. The only thing more surprising than their 3,000 members is the way the gang is organized. "They have structure, they have different ranks. They have different command levels. They have the people that give the orders, and then they have the people that carry out the orders" said Robert Almonte, Executive Director, Texas Narcotic Officers Association. With titles, such as sergeant and lieutenant it was the arrest of the ring's alleged leader, Jaime Velasco-the so called boss-that may make the most impact in bringing an end to the gang. According to a federal court affidavit Velasco would cross shipments over the bridges, and supply the drugs to alleged distributors, Gualberto Marquez and Raul Cabral. The drugs would then allegedly be sent to lieutenant Jose Montes. Like a well trained army, there is a unique form of com

Three people associated with the Latin Kings pleaded guilty in Lubbock federal court. Cecily Dominique Juarez admits to conspiracy to distribute cocaine and marijuana. She faces up to life in prison. Eliseo Perez also pleads guilty to conspiracy to distribute cocaine and marijuana. He faces as much as life in prison. And Hiluterio Chavez admits to being a felon in possession of firearms. Chavez had a small arsenal, 14 handguns, some of which were stolen. Court records say it was his job to collect and distribute firearms to other gang members. He faces up to 25 years in prison. All three will be sentenced at a later date.

Joshua Wheaton, 22, of the 8900 block of South Richmond Avenue in Evergreen Park was charged with two counts of aggravated assault to a police officer with a firearm and two counts of attempted first-degree murder, police News Affairs Officer John Mirabelli said.Four men are expected in court later Monday charged in three separate police-involved shootings that occurred Sunday on the Southwest, Near West and South sides.Adam Hurtado, 21, of the 5900 block of South Fairfield Avenue, was also charged with two counts of attempted first-degree murder, Mirabelli said. Wheaton is suspected of pointing a weapon at police and Hurtado is suspected of driving the vehicle they used during the early morning shooting in the 5400 block of South Homan Avenue, police said early Monday.On-duty officers witnessed a man firing a gun on the street about 2:20 a.m. Sunday, at which time Wheaton allegedly turned and pointed his weapon at responding officers, police said.An officer discharged his weapon, stri

UN was founded by Clay Roueche, 34, and several friends in the Fraser Valley in May 1997 and now numbers about 100 members.Insp. Kevin Hackett said the UN is also “closely aligned with other groups in different regions of the country and major centres.”The UN also has national and international connections. The U.S. alleged the gang purchased its own aircraft for cross-border drug runs and was making connections to purchase cocaine directly from Colombian cartels.Kiloh said that like other crime groups, it is no longer “capsulated” and will contract out services like transporting or collections to other gangs with those specialities. “The network of all the different criminal groups cross over on a regular basis,” he said. “All these groups at different times will rely on other groups.” But the UN is most distinguished by the violence it has wreaked.“This particular group is, in our view, one of the highest level creators of violence in this area,” Kiloh said. He said the conspiracy to

Two cars pulled up outside the Ranza Club in Royston Road at about 1930 BST on Saturday. The occupants entered the pub and attacked customers. Three men were taken to hospital after they were attacked as they drank in a bar in Glasgow at the weekend.The injured men, aged 58, 55 and 49 were taken to Glasgow Royal Infirmary. Police said were keen to trace a distinctive lime green Audi they believe was one of the cars involved in the incident. The 49-year-old man was later discharged following treatment. The other two men remained in hospital although their injuries were not thought to be life-threatening. The cars involved were described as a silver coloured Vauxhall Vectra or Astra and an older lime green coloured car, thought to be an Audi. The occupants of the cars were all men, in their early twenties and were wearing hooded tops. "Three men have been left badly injured in this attack and it is imperative we trace the people responsible. "There are shops nearby and I would

Molotov cocktails were thrown into four homes in Salinas on Thursday night and Friday morning in an alleged gang-related incident, according to police.The first incident occurred just before midnight Thursday when suspects threw incendiary devices into a home in the 700 block of Garner Avenue, police said.Just after midnight Friday, more Molotov cocktails were thrown into three different homes in the 900 block of Acosta Plaza, police said.In both cases, the devices caused minor damage to the home and injured no one.

Bodies of two men were found in the trunk of an abandoned car in rural Pickering, killings with all the hallmarks of a gang hit. The bodies are suspected to be that of Indo-Canadians as a car full of Indo-Canadian men from Brampton paid a visit to the crime scene with one of the men saying in accented English that his brother had been missing for a while and he suspected one of the dead to be the missing man. "Our brother, he's been missing for the last two days, right?" said an Indo-Canadian man, who didn't identify himself. It's not clear yet if the family members are related to either of the dead men, Durham Det. Mitch Martin said. "The act doesn't appear to be random to me," Martin said, trying to calm fears of residents in the rural area. But although it appears the two victims were targeted, Martin didn't elaborate on the killings, saying the investigation is in its early stages. "We're looking for suspects, we don't have anybo

Twenty-two-year-old Francis Artiga-Cardoza, of Manassas, was arrested in Worcester, Mass., early Tuesday morning. Hours later, police arrested 17-year-old Ana Villatoro in the District. The pair, along with seven other suspected 18th Street members, are charged with first-degree murder, kidnapping and armed robbery.Two more suspected 18th Street gang members have been charged in the stabbing death of 15-year-old Dennys Guzman-Saenz in a Gaithersburg park, Montgomery County police said.Police say the 18th Street gang members abducted Guzman-Saenz from a Hyattsville bus stop Jan. 18., believing he was a member of arch rival gang MS-13.Guzman-Saenz was found Jan. 19 in Malcolm King Park, stabbed about 40 times. An anonymous tip led police to his accused killers.

Daniel Johnson a member of the Doddington Gang, pleaded guilty to five counts of possession of firearms. He was jailed for six years at Manchester Crown Square Court. On 2 February 2007, members of the rival gangs Doddington and Gooch were involved in a shoot-out on Wilcock Street in Moss Side, described during a recent court case as being like a scene out of Wild West movie.A number of guns were fired and during the police investigation, searches of nearby homes were carried out. During a search of a house on Pepperhill Road, police found a number of bags under sheds in the back garden that contained more than 100 rounds of small arms ammunition, three 120-gauge shotgun cartridges, two silencers and an empty magazine. As a result of recovering this arsenal, further raids were executed at the homes and gardens of known gang members in the Pepperhill and Wilcock Street area, leading to the discovery of two loaded Baikal handguns and another silencer.One of the guns and the silencer was

Regional anti-gang task force has arrested eight reputed members of the United Front gang.Armed with search and arrest warrants, local, state and federal law enforcement authorities began Thursday morning rounding up the reputed United Front leaders, member and associates.All but two individuals — a 17-year-old boy wanted for distribution of cocaine and 23-year-old Dione Neves — were arrested. Police seized cocaine, marijuana, prescription pills and drug paraphernalia.Five reputed United Front members who were named in federal indictments detailing the gang's history of drug dealing, shootings and street violence were already in custody on other drug and firearm charges.During a press conference Thursday at the Bristol County District Attorney's Office, task force members commented on the two-year investigation that targeted two of the city's neighborhood gangs."This is the most violent group of individuals in the city of New Bedford," said U.S. Attorney Glenn Mac

Toronto Police officers from 31 Division were called to interview gunshot victim Curlew Devon Moulton, 35, aka Skellion and Tall Man, at Humber River Regional Hospital on April 22, a day after he returned from Jamaica. won't be charged by police after flying to Canada in bloodsoaked bandages to seek medical treatment hours after being shot in a gunfight in Jamaica that left one man dead. Moulton, a Canadian citizen who's well known to Toronto Police, is reportedly a member of the Boys in the Woods gang in North Etobicoke. Moulton was shot several times in his foot April 21 in a gunfight outside Kingston, Jamaica, police said. One man was killed in what Jamaican police call an "unsolved drive-by shooting." Moulton placed bandages on his wounds and boarded a flight to Pearson airport, where he was detained for two hours by Canada Customs agents and then released, officials said. No charges were laid. Const. Tony Vella said police were called by hospital staff because th

Verdict in a murder case involving an alleged member of the Black Guerrilla Family gang. In recent weeks, police have arrested more than two dozen BGF members in a major crackdown on the gang. Black Guerrilla Family is one of the most notorious gangs in the city, and they're known for running their outside operations from prison.Drug trafficking, violence, witness intimidation. Authorities say they're synonymous with the gang BGF, whose members only gain rank in prison and use contraband cell phones behind bars to run crimes through associates on the outside. "As gangs have grown in stature in Baltimore, so has BGF's stature on the streets of Baltimore," said Police Commissioner Fred Bealefeld. "Gangs really are the gathering storm for Baltimore."Recently, one BGF member was charged with trying to kill a witness in the case of former City Councilman Ken Harris. Another alleged member--who jurors just found guilty of murder--is accused of brazen witnes

Stanislaus County Superior Court Judge Dawna Frenchie Reeves said defendants Brandon Ferrell, 18, Joshua Huggins, 17, Kurt Petersen, 22, and Larry Williams, 20, will have to return to the county lockup if they cannot post bail when they are arraigned May 22.Four young men suspected of assaulting a man in Graceada Park and who share an interest in an underground band called Insane Clown Posse must stand trial as members of a criminal street gang that authorities call Juggalos, a judge said Friday.Prosecutors allege that the men are gang members, rather than fans of a band whose lyrics are so raw they wouldn't be heard on mainstream radio, because they travel in a pack, share a common sign or symbol -- the cartoon hatchetman associated with the Detroit-based band -- and commit crimes. Defense attorneys say their clients are just young men who got drunk and behaved badly. The judge said there is enough evidence of gang affiliation to let a jury decide the matter. "I am disturbed

Terrance Mack, 30, was convicted in connection with the September 2007 stabbing and beating death of Latasha Shaw. Officers said a group of people attacked Shaw in Rochester after she confronted some women who assaulted her daughter earlier in the day. Mack is scheduled to be sentenced on June third. His cousin, Ebony Mack, is charged with Shaw's murder. Her trial begins in July.A witness to the attack identified Terrance Mack as being in the crowd when Shaw was killed, testimony prosecutors say was key to the case."Her identification of the defendant was solid," said Monroe County Assistant District Attorney Sandra Doorley. "She had the opportunity to see him before hand, she saw him clearly during the fight as she he was the forerunner, he was the one leading the gang, she could clearly see his face and the jury relied on that testimony obviously."Shaw's father Robert Grayson says he's happy with the outcome. "I'm very happy with the verdict.

Two reputed Norteño gang members were ordered to stand trial Friday for allegedly stabbing a gang dropout more than 20 times and fatally shooting his brother at a party April 25, 2008. According to testimony at a preliminary hearing Friday, Jose Carranza, 22, attacked former gang member Andre Garcia, 45, in an Archer Street apartment, breaking a beer bottle over his head and yelling "This is for all D.O.s (dropouts)" as he repeatedly stabbed him in the abdomen. Three or four men then set upon him. As pandemonium broke out, Salinas police testified, Garcia's brother, George, 49, ran from the scene into the street. There he was confronted by Rene Ortiz, 22, who shot him at least 10 times. Friday's testimony was based largely on statements by two young women, identified in court as RH1 and RH2, who told police they saw the attacks from the apartment balcony. Carranza's defense attorney, Romano Clark, said the witnesses' statements were unreliable because they ref

Rick Freeman 23-year-old Beloit man is sentenced to life in prison after being found guilty by a jury of a 2005 gang-related shooting death. According to the Rock County District Attorney's office, Judge James Daley also sentenced Rick Freeman to five years in prison followed by five years extended supervision for three counts of second degree reckless endangerment. Those charges stem from an incident in 2007 where Freeman attempted to elude a Beloit police officer and collided with another car. Freeman is sentenced to an additional ten years in prison followed by five years supervision for his conviction of possession with intent to deliver cocaine. That was a second offense and within 1,000 feet of a school.As a result of these cases, Freeman will be eligible for parole in 45 years.

Two 16-year-old boys were shot in the back, including one who had been involved in a gang intervention and prevention program. The shooter hasn't been caught.Seattle's gang feuds have been heated for more than a year. Seattle police are preparing new measures to quell the violence, and have formed communication channels to try to prevent retaliations shootings.Last month, the department started a day-shift gang squad. Interim Police Chief John Diaz told Seattlepi.com that some of the resource officers added this year to Seattle schools will transition to working in the precincts this summer.Though he didn't give specifics, Diaz also said the department also has been setting money aside for overtime preparing for summer focus areas in each precinct -- something done in response to the gang issue."We definitely have to have more on those Friday and Saturday nights, but … throughout the week we want to make consistent that we have ongoing emphasis in different areas,"

convicted a 20-year-old man of murder and assault for leading an ambush against rival gang members outside a Rainier Valley apartment building two years ago that left a young man dead and at least two others wounded.The jury had deliberated since Monday afternoon before finding Damario Dilliard guilty of second-degree murder and two counts of second-degree assault.He faces a sentence of between 24 ¾ and 33 years in prison. A sentencing date has not been set.Dilliard was arrested several months after the Aug. 28, 2007, attack that killed 19-year-old Antwan Horton and wounded Henry Harris and Kevin Rogers. Dilliard was a member of the Deuce 8 street gang, while the victims were members of the Low Profile, or LP, gang, according to court documents in Dilliard's case. At the time of the shootings, the gangs were involved in a bitter and violent feud stemming from the slaying of a founding member of the Deuce 8 gang, allegedly by a member of the LPs, according to documents.The night of

Antoine Ahiem, 23, of Millville, was arrested along with township residents Ozell Sutton, 26, and Angel Fontanez, 18, police said.Member of the Bloods street gang was charged with numerous drug and weapon offenses Wednesday night after a fight in the Sunbury Village section of town.Officers responded at 8:15 p.m. to a report of a fight on Kinsley Road involving several men with weapons. Several people fled when police arrived, including Ahiem, Sutton and Fontanez. The three men were taken into custody a short time later inside a nearby home they had broken into in order to hide, police said.Further investigation led to the recovery of a backpack that Ahiem is alleged to have placed in a rear shed before hiding inside the home with the other two suspects. The backpack contained a 9mm handgun loaded with hollow-point ammunition, additional rounds of conventional ammunition, a digital scale, Ahiem's driver's license and 45 bags of crack cocaine, police said.The gun was determined

Big Spring Police have arrested two people they say are known gang members. The Big Spring Narcotics Unit executed a seach warrant at 805 Lorilla on Sunday. Police say two firearms, a bullet proff vest and ammunition were seized. 17-year-old Tristan Ward and 19-year-old Edrion Houston were both arrested and charged with Felon in Possession of a fire arm and body armoor. Both Houston and Ward are known associates of the street gang the Texas Born Hustlers.

Victor Ramirez of Hyattsville and a native of El Salvador was convicted in November after a monthlong trial. The racketeering enterprise activities included three murders.U.S. District judge has sentenced a MS-13 gang member to 60 years in prison for conspiring to take part in racketeering enterprise activities. Witnesses testified that Ramirez, 30, entered the U.S. from El Salvador through Mexico, and that he had arrived in Maryland with another gang member. Ramirez and an MS-13 leader from El Salvador told witnesses that Ramirez had been sent to Maryland to strengthen the gang in the state. Prosecutors say Ramirez and other gang members killed shot and killed two rival gang members in October 2005, and Ramirez provided a handgun that was used in the slaying of another man later that month.

Pedro Gil, 37, also must forfeit millions of dollars in real estate, a cache of jewelry, a fleet of luxury vehicles, and suitcases containing $4.5 million in cash.Laredo gang leader must serve 25 years in prison under the terms of a plea agreement, federal prosecutors said Thursday.Pedro Gil, 37, also was known as “Master P” and “Carwash” with the Hermandad de Pistoleros Latinos (Brotherhood of Latin Gunmen).Gil was indicted in May 2008 along with 23 members or associates of the gang. Prosecutors said the gang smuggled large amounts of cocaine across the Mexican border, then stored it in Laredo stash houses for distribution out of Houston.He pleaded guilty in Houston to trafficking more than 330 pounds of cocaine and laundering millions of dollars in proceeds.

Raymond Campos, 29, was arrested. Police said that the Salinas gang member backed over a member of the Monterey County Gang Task Force with his car back on April 10th of this year. Campos was lodged in the Monterey County Jail on numerous charges including attempted murder. No further information available at this time pending a press conference to be held by Chief Fetherolf; date and time to be announced.

known gang member whom authorities have tied to four shootings was sentenced today for attempted murder.Judge Fran Gull, in Allen Superior Court, sentenced Anthony Parish to a total of 40 years in prison, the result of the Oct. 1 shooting of Andrea L. Terrell as the man sat in a car driven by Patrick Long.Parish, 19, a member of the D-Boys street gang, said in court previously that he was actually gunning for Long when he pulled up alongside the two and opened fire at the intersection of Hessen Cassel Road and Maple Grove Avenue. Parish missed and instead seriously injured Terrell. Terrell recovered from his injuries.Parish submitted a guilty plea for the crime April 6, resulting in charges of attempted murder and aggravated battery and the dropping of additional charges of battery, criminal recklessness, carrying a pistol without a permit and pointing a gun.Parish got 30 years for the attempted murder and 10 years for the aggravated battery, to be served consecutively. Today's sen

Two reputed gangsters arrested with so-called "kill kits" of weaponry and body armour, won't learn until next week whether he'll be free pending trial.Provincial court Judge Les Grieve yesterday reserved his decision on an application to release Danny Ngoc Nguyen on bail. Grieve imposed a publication ban on submissions during the lengthy hearing at the request of defence lawyer John James. James is seeking the same freedom for Nguyen as his co-accused received more than a week ago, when Billy Ly was released on $15,000 cash, or a $25,000 surety. Both Ly and Nguyen were arrested April 1, when police, responding to an unrelated complaint of armed teens in Carburn Park in the Riverbend area, saw a group of five men sprint into a nearby yard. In a silver GMC Safari van, police found a cache of weapons -- including an HK assault rifle and four sets of body armour -- and five sets of clothing changes, including sneakers, track pants, hoodies bandanas and gloves. At the time

Two men were held without bond today after being charged with fatally shooting a teen and wounding two other men in the Austin neighborhood. The two had shot and killed Damier Love, 16, Thursday as part of a plan to target members of a rival gang operating in the neighborhood, a prosecutor said today.Cortez Powell, 25, of the 700 block of North Lockwood Avenue, and Brian Ward, 22, of the 9500 block of Maple Drive in Rosemont, were each charged with one count of first degree murder and two counts of aggravated battery with a firearm, according to a police news release.Powell also was charged with one count of unlawful use of a weapon by a felon and one count of aggravated discharge of a firearm. The two were ordered held without bond today by Cook County Circuit Court Judge Jackie Marie Portman.Love and two men ages 45 and 53 were standing in front of a liquor store in the 5300 block of West Chicago Avenue around 12:45 a.m. Thursday, when Ward, Powell and a third man who has not been ch