FBI, LAPD conduct raids in San Pedro targeting Mexican Mafia members

 

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LOS ANGELES – Federal and local authorities conducted a series of raids in San Pedro targeting members and associates of the Mexican Mafia on Tuesday, Oct. 7.

What we know:

The Los Angeles Police Department, in conjunction with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, arrested multiple members and associates of what officials called one of the most active and violent gangs in the Los Angeles Harbor area, also known as Rancho San Pedro or “RSP.”

The operation was the culmination of a multi-year investigation into the RSP gang, which has an estimated 500 members and is responsible for various criminal activities and acts of violence. 

Eight of 14 individuals charged in a federal complaint and five defendants facing state charges were taken into custody. Additionally, 17 search warrants were executed, authorities said.

The backstory:

The RSP gang is a multi-generational criminal enterprise that originated in the 1970s and claims the city of San Pedro as its territory. 

It is divided into six subsets or “cliques” and operates under the control of Mexican Mafia members who are incarcerated in California state prisons. 

RSP members pay “taxes” to the Mexican Mafia in exchange for protection. Members who violate the gang’s rules may face “discipline,” including assault or even death. 

The federal complaint charges 13 defendants with racketeering, conspiracy (RICO), and drug distribution, and one additional defendant with being a felon in possession of a firearm. 

The investigation was conducted by the FBI, LAPD, HSI, and the California Department of Justice.

What they’re saying:

“I’m proud of the years of hard work that went into this case by investigators at the federal and local level to target the upper echelon of this extremely violent gang,” said Akil Davis, the assistant director in charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles field office. “Today’s actions will cause a significant setback to Rancho San Pedro and their Mexican Mafia overlords, and lead to safer streets for San Pedro residents.”

“Our harbor division investigators, working closely with the FBI and HSI, methodically built a case to expose those directing this criminal enterprise,” said LAPD Police Chief Jim McDonnell. “This operation delivers a powerful message — we will use every tool available to protect our communities and bring violent offenders to justice.”

“These arrests prove the power of partnerships,” said Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan J. Hochman. “When law enforcement agencies collaborate, we are able to take violent offenders and illegal weapons off our streets.”

What’s next:

The federal defendants will make an appearance in court Tuesday afternoon. If convicted, most of them face a statutory maximum of life in prison.