Los Angeles, CA. — Hundreds of law enforcement officers executed coordinated arrest and search warrants this morning targeting members and associates of the Rancho San Pedro (RSP) gang, one of the most violent criminal organizations operating in the Los Angeles Harbor area.
The sweeping action, led by the FBI, Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), and U.S. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), marks the culmination of a multi year investigation into RSP’s extensive criminal operations including drug trafficking, violent assaults, and connections to the Mexican Mafia.
“Today’s actions will cause a significant setback to Rancho San Pedro and their Mexican Mafia overlords,” said Akil Davis, assistant director in charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “This will lead to safer streets for San Pedro residents.”
According to federal authorities, eight of fourteen defendants charged in a federal criminal complaint were taken into custody, along with five others facing state level charges filed by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. Law enforcement also executed seventeen total search warrants, nine federal and eight state, across the San Pedro area.
“Our Harbor Division investigators, working closely with the FBI and HSI, built a case to expose those directing this criminal enterprise,” said LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell. “We will use every tool available to bring violent offenders to justice.”
The Rancho San Pedro gang, founded in the 1970s, is estimated to have around 500 members divided into several cliques, including two female groups. The gang operates under the authority of Mexican Mafia members incarcerated in California prisons, to whom RSP pays “taxes” for protection and operational sanctioning. Violations of internal rules can result in brutal assaults or death.
The federal complaint charges thirteen defendants with Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) conspiracy and drug trafficking, and one with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The complaint alleges that RSP members distributed methamphetamine, fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and PCP while using violence to control territory and enforce gang discipline.
“This operation sends a clear warning to violent street gangs the chance of getting caught has gone way up,” said Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta added, “When we work together, we get results: illegal weapons and deadly drugs like fentanyl and heroin are off our streets.”
The multi agency operation involved tactical teams from across the region, including LAPD SWAT, FBI Hostage Rescue Team, HSI Special Response Team, and police units from Torrance, Las Vegas, Phoenix, and San Diego.
If convicted, most defendants face up to life in prison.
The federal defendants are scheduled to appear in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles this afternoon. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kelsey A. Stimson and Claire E. Kelly of the Major Crimes Section.
Authorities emphasize that the charges are allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
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