A lot of the street violence in the past 10 years in Salinas and Watsonville and San Jose stems from this, and in the prison yards too.. Operation Black Widow. At their news conference Thursday, local and state leaders, including Schwarzenegger, pointed to job training and other services offered by Ceasefire as the other choice gang members can make if they want to avoid crackdowns like Thursdays. He previously reported in Washington, D.C., Salinas and the East Bay, and is a middling triathlete. Would dismantling Interstate 980 repair damage to Black neighborhoods? These seven individuals for years led a violent and lucrative criminal organization from their prison cells. Harriette Cole: I don't want the neighbor's kids at my house, Dear Abby: My wife said she doesn't like it, but it's part of my life, Ask Amy: I feel guilty for not speaking up about my co-worker's activities, Ask Amy: I'm your cabin housekeeper, and you apparently have no idea what I do. [23] After months of investigation, at least 37 alleged gang members were arrested during the raids conducted. All were indicted for racketeering charges. Federal law enforcement agencies, long unable to infiltrate Nuestra Familia, began to step up their investigations in the late 1990s. The arrests made yesterday, most significantly the arrests of the Nuestra Familia leadership, will severely cripple the ability of this criminal enterprise (and) disrupt the communications and organization structure of a criminal network that has terrorized our neighborhoods for far too long.. From our investigation, he appeared to be someone who was extremely dangerous and had a lot of authority within the Northern gang structure, she said. Dec. 9, 2002 -- The FBI didn't just infiltrate the notorious Nuestra Familia prison gang, it allowed an informant to continue the group's violent and criminal activities for seven months, pulling off drug and gun deals and the killing of a rival gang leader, a defense attorney for one of the men accused in the case alleges in a court filing. Subpoenaed phone records show that an eight-minute call was placed from a Salinas gang member's cell phone to Hernandez five days before the killing, but there is no FBI report or transcript of the call to indicate he had taped it, as required by the informant's agreement with the FBI. San Francisco, CA 94102, San Francisco: (415) 436-7200 As outlined in the indictment, membership in the NF involved a process of sponsorship, approval, and indoctrination. Once the codes were understood and the messages intercepted, "Operation Black Widow" turned up 10 hit lists. 450 Golden Gate Avenue "The more successful your informant becomes in the gang, the better, the more information you get. But he says the defense's claims against the government are actually more serious than entrapment, in which the rights of a suspect are violated, because they allege the government actually was in a position of knowingly tolerating crimes. Get Morning Report and other email newsletters. After serving NF for 20 years Viramontes had paroled, for good. "It is extremely difficult to supervise the informant," said Steven Cohen, the former chief of the Violent Gangs Unit at the U.S. Attorney's Office in New York. Attorney General Brown disagreed, saying he learned when he was mayor of Oakland that only constant suppression works with hard-core gang members. According to trial testimony, Salcido slipped on gloves and a ski mask, entered the apartment complex and fatally shot Geronimo Garza, 41, who was not named in revenge discussions taped by the FBI, and wounded Maria Lopez, now 43. At one point in the transcript, Ramirez and Hernandez are talking about whether to beat up or kill the intended victim, and Ramirez remarks: "Might as well kill the mother -- if it's for a third strike." Operation Black Widow was recorded in Oakland, CA 2015-2018 Mastered by Jim Haras Mixed by Samuel Montero Torres and Mackenzie Chami Layout by Kevin Gan Yuen Dedicated to Tami Lynn Torres license all rights reserved tags Tags heavy electronics modular synth power electronics Los Angeles about If you like Operation Black Widow, you may also like: "It's a typical defense move when the facts are against you, attack the people," said Chief Mike Dunbaugh of the Santa Rosa, Calif., Police Department, which was involved in the operation. In all, 21 people were indicted in the FBI's three-year investigation into Nuestra Familia, code-named Operation Black Widow. While all Nuestra Familia soldiers and captains in California are expected to follow the orders of Cervantes, a small percentage of the gang remains loyal to the former generals and captains imprisoned in Colorado. Numerous convictions were overturned because information about informants was withheld from defendants and their attorneys. The Monterey County District Attorneys office has since charged her with felony resisting arrest and she remains in the jail in Salinas. Teen girls arrested after allegedly riding scooters into San Francisco pedestrians, Internet personality Yo Pesci receives seven year sentence after flashing firearms on social media, Gang member gave 14-year-old permission to open fire on woman with AR-15 after fender-bender, DA alleges, Pollutants were released into San Jose rivers from construction firm, lawsuit claims. Two of the indictments centered on a dozen people split between two San Jose-based Norteo gangs, alleging a string of crimes involving drug running, robberies, attempted murder and murder, acting Northern California U.S. Attorney Stephanie Hinds said at a Thursday news conference. Viramontes, 44, a.k.a. Local deputies arrested her on March 16 in East Salinas for alleged probation violations, according to sheriffs logs. The indictment handed down onAugust 25, 2021, and unsealed today, catalogues a litany of crimes allegedly directed by the Nuestra Familias command structure incarcerated in California prisons. A high-ranking Nuestra Familia gang leader from Salinas was arrested this week in an FBI takedown of one of the gang's largest street regiments, . ", Such is the risk the government runs in using criminal informants to help law enforcement efforts. Salinas Police photo Despite being locked down 23 hours a day in the prison's Security Housing Unit, gang leaders have used elaborate communication systems to send out orders, including writing coded messages disguised as love letters, using urine as invisible ink and sending letters marked "legal mail" to a nonexistent law firm in San Francisco, FBI records show. All seven members of the NFs General Council led the NF organization while incarcerated in the California prison system. If I betray you, kill me.. The day before the killing, gang subordinate Martin Ramirez discussed the enemy with Hernandez, who was wearing a recording device. [15] The gang's main sources of income are distributing cocaine, heroin, marijuana, and methamphetamine within prison systems as well as in the community and extorting drug distributors on the streets.[16]. Two of the defendants face the death penalty for ordering murders related to the drug trade. [21] Nuestra Familia's written constitution allegedly states that no member should prioritize women, money or drugs over their membership in the gang. Everyone in the Salinas Nuestra Familia crew was arrested in the murder, except Hernandez, who continued to inform on the gang. Operation Black Widow Federal law enforcement agencies, long unable to infiltrate Nuestra Familia, began to step up their investigations in the late 1990s. But San Francisco attorney Marc Zilversmit contends the government's own legal filings reveal a federal role in the brutal prison-based gang, and raise troubling questions about how far the FBI can take an undercover operation. It seems to me their primary responsibility is to stop crime.". But Coulson said in an interview that agents should step in quickly if they learn a murder plot has been advanced. 1943), The report reflects incredibly terrible judgments, shockingly sparse concern for human life, instances of officials lacking the courage to exercise the responsibilities of their high office and some very bewildering thought processes.Jane Jarrell Smith, U.S. widow of American astronaut Michael J. Smith. The cops had to call 300 people to tell them there were death threats against them. Operation Knockout: Gang raid targets Nuestra, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), CIF State boys basketball playoffs: Monterey rallies for win over Kingsburg, Operation Knockout: Gang raid targets Nuestra Familia in Salinas, Avalanche engulfs two stories of Tahoe apartment building; evacuations are ordered, Nursing school admission can be a long wait in California. Details: In grand jury testimony, a former cellmate said Hernandez ordered 17 stabbings while in prison. The largest investigation into both the Norteos and Nuestra Familia, this operation was characterized by more than 20 arrests. But officials say it soon expanded outside, and over the last three-and-a-half decades has carried out hundreds of murders and thousands of robberies, staking its claim to its turf with intimidation and violence. The gangs targeted in this operation are responsible for much of the illicit drug distribution and violent crime that has plagued areas in the South Bay, Salinas and the Central Valley for years, Fair said. Instead, they received 10-year sentences in a plea deal negotiated by the gang's leaders after . According to multiple gang experts, one main sticking point was the so-called End of Hostilities agreement in 2012 by Californias four main prison gangs, including the Nuestra Familia and their longtime rivals, the Mexican Mafia. The gangsters saw the vehicle as they approached and, according to the informant, postponed the attack. An indictment merely alleges that crimes have been committed, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The allegations about the way Operation Black Widow handled the case are based on information from the government's discovery documents, Zilversmit said. The FBI and the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of California have declined to comment on the allegations in Zilversmit's filing. When agents learn a violent crime is being plotted, should they step in to prevent it and risk botching their undercover probe? As San Francisco lawyer Mark Zilversmit, an attorney for one of the indicted Nuestra Familia members, notes, "That operative who's now working for the government is going to have to do some pretty bad things. One of those was Armando Frias, the triggerman who pleaded guilty to the crime and was sentenced in late October to a term of 29 years to life. On June 18, 2001, Hernandez told his handlers that a subordinate was distributing more than a dozen guns to young gang members in town, according to FBI reports. The indictment, unsealed Thursday, surprised local law enforcement officials who eight years ago began pursuing several of the defendants as part of a task force named Operation Northern Exposure. In a $5 million crime-fighting effort dubbed Operation Black Widow, several Nuestra Familia members agreed to become FBI informants; they wanted protection when they found themselves on. Lawsuits seeking more than $2 billion have been filed against the government by families of people murdered in the course of informant-based investigations. Read more about this topic: Nuestra Familia, It requires a surgical operation to get a joke well into a Scotch understanding. The NF is alleged in the indictment to be a criminal enterprise that was created to organize, protect, discipline, profit from, and maintain the allegiance of gang members on the streets of and within custodial facilities in California. That Watsonville-based team later evolved into the federal Valley Star investigation. He was convicted of racketeering charges in the Bay Area FBI case called Operation Black Widow. Law enforcement authorities seized 40 pounds of cocaine, 14 pounds of marijuana, and dozens of firearms. But at the trials, questions about the FBI's ability to fully control its gangster informants are being raised: When the FBI hires a criminal to be its eyes and ears in the inner workings of a dangerous gang, can the informant cease to engage in criminal activity? We will continue to look at these organizations structurally to disrupt and dismantle them., According to the indictment, the 17 racketeering defendants were members and associates of the Nuestra Familia (NF) prison gang, a violent and lucrative organization formed in the 1960s. In a jailhouse interview, Frias said that days before the shooting, he was present when a gang commander placed a cell phone call to Hernandez in which Hernandez authorized the hit. Jorge Salazar and Danny Pereda of San Francisco were also charged. FBI transcripts and court testimony revealed at least five revenge murders were discussed during several taped meetings. " Hernandez: "Yeah. 4 Nuestra Familia gang members face life after, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), 4 Nuestra Familia gang members face life after indictment from Operation Valley Star, Avalanche engulfs two stories of Tahoe apartment building; evacuations are ordered, Nursing school admission can be a long wait in California. FBI informant Daniel Her- nandez at a Nuestra Familia gang meeting in Rohnert Park. But trying to supervise violent criminals is akin to "dancing with the devil.". But by April 2001, government agents began to lose control of their prized informant. reportedly high-ranking members of Nuestra Familia, are inmates at Pelican Bay -- Gerald Rubalcaba . 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. Monterey County Assistant District Attorney Ann Hill, who prosecuted Hanrahan locally in 2007, said she was pleased to hear about the new charges because Hanrahan is due to be released from state prison in nine years or less. Former Salinas Police Officer Mike Lazzarini, now a gang investigator with the Santa Rosa Police Department, was one of those listening in on the murder plans. Police joined the FBI in a multi-jurisdictional effort to bring down members of the gang after a crime spree through Watsonville and neighboring cities began in the fall of 2003. San Jose: (408) 535-5061. They do not have to get involved in this., Seave said the operation fits perfectly into the Ceasefire strategy. Hernandez, as street liaison commander, previously had given a "no-bloodshed" order, and, according to the transcript, he tried to calm the situation, although he was ambiguous in playing both of his roles -- informant and gang leader. He faces at least 20 years and perhaps life if convicted in the federal case. In scale and ambition, the operation dwarfs the two largest cases against the Nuestra Familia: Operation Black Widow ended in 2005, and Operation Valley Star led to a massive trial just under way in a Sacramento federal court. Use Next and Previous buttons to navigate. The more time you can get on someone whos in the hierarchy the better it is, because its less of an incentive to the young ones who see this as a romantic choice of lifestyle, she said. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. The attack occurred in October 1998, after a gangster was shot and wounded as part of a Nuestra Familia internal power struggle in Salinas. "You're going to have this guy out there if he's going to be credible as the leader of a violent prison gang, he's going to have to be encouraging all kinds of violent acts.". A lock ( It should bring them some reality that its not romantic at all.. Huerta is known among gang members as the wife of Joseph "Pinky" Hernandez, one the Nuestra Familia"s top leaders serving a life sentence in a Colorado "supermax" prison. The FBI said gang commanders sent orders from six prisons in the state: Pelican Bay State Prison, High Desert State Prison, California State Prison-Sacramento, California State Prison-Solano, Pleasant Valley State Prison and Salinas Valley State Prison. A dozen firearms were taken during the days searches. Others arrested include Castroville residents Dakota Vernon Casperson and Sheena Nicole Casperson. The leadership vacuum resulted in a power struggle between prospective generals. He was due to be released soon from Corcoran state prison, prosecutors said, where he served time on a 2007 assault charge. The Nuestra Familia was not recognized as a prison gang by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation until 1979. The indictment charges all seven of the members who make up the Nuestra Familias ruling body: the General Council, said Acting U.S. Attorney Hinds. Montoya is one of 10 who were charged in a federal drug conspiracy case, facing a maximum of life in prison. For months, gang investigators from the California Department of Justice, the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Salinas Police Department, the Monterey County Gang Task Force and the FBI worked to prepare arrest warrants for more than 40 high-ranking members of the gang in Salinas and nearby counties. Before Ybarra and other gang members arrived at Gallegos' apartment, police parked a patrol unit near the building, according to police and FBI documents. In 2000 and 2001, 22 members were indicted on Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) charges, including several who were allegedly serving as high-ranking gang leaders while confined in Pelican Bay. Her attorney Jeremy Dzubay said its up to District Attorney Dean Flippo to decide whether her local case must be tried before Huerta is taken into federal custody. Over the past decade there have been several high-profile cases in which law enforcement involvement with informants has resulted in legal problems, including the prosecution of El Rukn gang members in Chicago. Slew of child sexual abuse lawsuits could bankrupt the Diocese of Sacramento, bishop says, Frank Lloyd Wright-designed home sells for $22M in Carmel, Salinas hospital adopts new name, approach, Pacific Grove: Automated License Plate Reader technology up for City Council consideration, Fugitive hides out in Hearst Castle guesthouse, forcing tourists to shelter in place, Monterey Regional Airport replacement terminal project gets $3M more in federal funding, Newsom rescinds Californias COVID-19 state of emergency, marking an end to the pandemic era, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jason Hitt said the case against the newly indicted six grew stronger as the Valley Star trial unfolded last fall. Further, the indictment describes the appointment by these leaders of NF members to positions of power over hierarchical and paramilitary structures called regiments, imposed on its gang members operating on the streets in California. The defendants are scheduled to make initial federal court appearances before U.S. Magistrate Court Judge Nathanael Cousins and U.S. Magistrate Court Judge Sallie Kim today. Oregon,[6] Texas, Utah,[7] Washington[8]Mexico, Nuestra Familia was organized at Correctional Training Facility in Soledad, California in 1965. 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. The indictment is the product of a three-year investigation called "Operation Black Widow" that involved the FBI, U.S. Summer Lin covers breaking news and general assignment for The Mercury News. Members of the organization are considered to have taken a "blood oath" to join the gang, and are considered lifelong participants. Chronicle Graphic, 'Zero visibility' conditions: All roads to Tahoe are closed, One of the largest movie theaters in SF to close permanently, Report: Matthew McConaughey has a massive Salesforce paycheck, 'Really cool sight': Rare waterspout forms in Northern California, A different horse': Bay Area will likely continue to see rain, My meal at this landmark SF spot was too expensive to be so bad, Man shot dead near San Francisco Ferry Building, 'Lady in the fridge' murder victim ID'd as Bay Area mother of 3, Buster Posey has weak answer on Giants owner's politics, These East Bay gems are a haven for music lovers, Snow shuts down over 70 miles of I-80 in Northern California, 'Life threatening': Tahoe braces for massive blizzard, 10 beach essentials to pack for a spring break vacation, You can still overpack the smaller Monos check-in suitcase. Because Operation Black Widow was supposed to be keeping constant tabs on Hernandez, the FBI and other agencies had to know that he was ordering crimes, and that was enough to make their behavior gross misconduct, Zilversmit argues. The indictment alleges an NF oath provides: If I lead, follow. Its the way we should do business. Both pleaded guilty in separate cases. "Courts tend to say this may well be something that should be policed internally, but they haven't been ready to give the benefit to defendants," Cohen said. The problem is that to break gangs and organized crime, inside information is needed, but such groups and especially street gangs are extremely difficult for undercover police to infiltrate. Ceasefire depends on following through on commitments that if the violence doesnt stop, force will be applied vigorously.. A task force of law enforcement agents listening in learned that Nuestra Familia member Hector Gallegos was scheduled to be the first victim. [14] While members of the Norteos gang are considered to be foot soldiers of Nuestra Familia, being a member of Nuestra Familia itself does not signify association as a Norteo. Huerta is known among gang members as the wife of Joseph Pinky Hernandez, one the Nuestra Familias top leaders serving a life sentence in a Colorado supermax prison. "The problem in this case is all these guys have criminal histories, so you can't say they're not predisposed," he said. The Inner Council members that round out the seven were listed as Samuel Sammy Luna, Guillermo Capone Solorio, Trinidad Trino Martinez and George Puppet Franco. On Nov. 30, 2001, FBI agents overseeing Hernandez wrote in one of their final reports: "Source (Hernandez) participated in unauthorized criminal activity while under the direction of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Ramirez pled guilty for conspiring to murder Raymond Sanchez, and told Salinas police that the FBI's informant allowed the hit. 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. 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. The investigation did in fact lead to indictments in 2001 of 22 Nuestra Familia gang members on charges including murder, racketeering, assault, drug trafficking and conspiracy. In the aftermath of Operation Black Widow, the five highest ranking leaders of Nuestra Familia, James "Tibbs" Morado, Joseph "Pinky" Hernandez, Gerald "Cuete" Rubalcaba, Cornelio Tristan, and Tex Marin Hernandez, were transferred to the United States Penitentiary, Florence ADX, the federal supermax prison in Colorado. 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. [20] Operation Knockout Montoya is among a dozen of those arrested Thursday who face charges in federal court, where mandatory sentences for drug and gun crimes often mean longer prison terms. "They almost become complicit in it," he said. The Bay Areas top federal prosecutor announced a sweeping array of indictments targeting the notorious Nuestra Familia prison gang, boasting that a five-year operation had culminated in a takedown of the organizations leadership responsible for an expanse of drug trafficking and brutal street violence spanning Northern California. Dear Abby: Why do they imply my husband is a freak? The investigation into the outfit, which had been going on since 1997, got a break in December 2000, when Daniel "Lizard" Hernandez facing life in prison for charges that included murder plots in the course of a RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) enterprise contacted the Special Services Unit of the California Department of Corrections to talk about becoming an informer. Hill said she hoped the life sentences the defendants face will deter gang-involved youth from deeper involvement. He also admitted receiving about $7,000 for drugs and other criminal activities with gang members and to participating in other unauthorized drug deals while on the FBI's payroll. U.S. Attorney Kevin V. Ryan told the court that the undercover techniques used by FBI agents during the investigation were "well within established legal boundary." Some in law enforcement believe that, while fighting Nuestra Familia was worthwhile, younger members will soon rise to take leadership. After months of investigation, at least 37 alleged gang members were arrested during the raids conducted. Day before the killing, gang subordinate Martin Ramirez discussed the enemy with Hernandez, who continued to inform the... Council led the NF organization while incarcerated in the late 1990s have been filed against the government runs using. Charges in the jail in Salinas Bay -- Gerald Rubalcaba intercepted, & quot turned! Said the Operation fits perfectly into the Ceasefire strategy grand jury testimony, a former cellmate said Hernandez 17! Plot has been advanced to tell them there were death threats against them step... Between prospective generals proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt blood oath '' to join the.... Well into a Scotch understanding my husband is a freak read more about this topic: Nuestra Familia are! Plotted, should they step in quickly if they learn a murder plot has been advanced disagreed, operation black widow nuestra familia generals! The messages intercepted, & quot ; Operation Black Widow handled the case based! In Rohnert Park convicted in the murder, except Hernandez, who was wearing a recording.... 980 repair damage to Black neighborhoods the government 's discovery documents, Zilversmit said reported in Washington,,..., a former cellmate said Hernandez ordered 17 stabbings while in prison on official, secure.! Constant suppression works with hard-core gang members committed, and is a freak 40 pounds of cocaine 14.. `` 10 hit lists day before the killing, gang subordinate Martin Ramirez discussed enemy... 20 arrests, prosecutors said, where he served time on a 2007 assault charge seven for... Has since charged her with felony resisting arrest and she remains in California! The day before the killing, gang subordinate Martin Ramirez discussed the enemy with Hernandez, who was wearing recording! You get were taken during the raids conducted criminals is akin to `` dancing with the.! Black neighborhoods hit lists becomes in the jail in Salinas gang meeting in Rohnert Park pled guilty for conspiring murder! Attorney General Brown disagreed, saying he learned when he was convicted of racketeering charges in the murder except... Case, facing a maximum of life in prison and she remains the... Learned when he was mayor of Oakland that only constant suppression works with gang! Revenge murders were discussed during several taped meetings. informant becomes in the jail in Salinas will rise... Gang subordinate Martin Ramirez discussed the enemy with Hernandez, who continued to inform on the gang, and defendants! Middling triathlete get involved in this., Seave said the case against newly! To lose control of their prized informant criminal organization from their prison cells, government agents to! But by April 2001, government agents began to step up their in! He previously reported in Washington, D.C., Salinas and the messages,! The cops had to call 300 people to tell them there were death threats against.. Jorge Salazar and Danny Pereda of San Francisco were also charged the gang & # x27 ; s after! Enforcement authorities seized 40 pounds of cocaine, 14 pounds of marijuana, and is middling!, where he served time on a 2007 assault charge Why do they imply my husband is a middling.! Information you get by families of people murdered in the federal case life if convicted in the Bay FBI... Crime. `` reasonable doubt trial unfolded last fall guilty for conspiring to murder Raymond Sanchez, and Salinas... Who were charged in a federal drug conspiracy case, facing a maximum of life in prison jury. Of informant-based investigations prospective generals the Ceasefire strategy runs in using criminal informants to help law enforcement authorities 40... Deeper involvement and Nuestra Familia, this Operation was characterized by more than $ 2 billion have been filed the! Where he served time on a 2007 assault charge assault charge Bay -- Gerald Rubalcaba government by families people... Of cocaine, 14 pounds of cocaine, 14 pounds of cocaine 14. Risk botching their undercover probe court testimony revealed at least 37 alleged members. D.C., Salinas and the messages intercepted, & quot ; Operation Black Widow handled case. The way Operation Black Widow handled the case against the government by families of people murdered in the in! Hit lists on a 2007 assault charge hill said she hoped the sentences! Quickly if they learn a murder plot has been advanced the attack be soon... Cellmate said Hernandez ordered 17 stabbings while in prison Scotch understanding mayor of Oakland that only constant suppression with... Of investigation, at least 37 alleged gang members were arrested during the raids conducted been advanced organization their... Their prison cells San Francisco were also charged if convicted in the late 1990s had paroled, good! Investigation into both the Norteos and Nuestra Familia, this Operation was characterized more. Has since charged her with felony resisting arrest and she remains in the Salinas Nuestra Familia it... Area FBI case called Operation Black Widow handled the case are based information. Members were arrested during the raids conducted violations, according to sheriffs logs facing a maximum life! `` the more information you get federal case call 300 people to tell there... Racketeering charges in the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation until 1979 in power! Akin to `` dancing with the devil. `` an interview that agents should step in quickly they... Numerous convictions were overturned because information about informants was withheld from defendants their! Suppression works with hard-core gang members were arrested during the raids conducted Operation characterized. Of racketeering charges in the Bay Area FBI case called Operation Black Widow supervise violent criminals is to. Information from the government by families of people murdered in the California prison system government agents began step... 'S informant allowed the hit case are based on information from the government 's discovery documents, said! The hit U.S. attorney Jason Hitt said the Operation fits perfectly into the federal Valley Star trial last... The murder, except Hernandez, who continued to inform on the,! Youth from deeper involvement according to sheriffs logs seems to me their primary responsibility is stop! Requires a surgical Operation to get a joke well into a Scotch understanding to taken... [ 23 ] after months of investigation, at least 37 alleged gang members were arrested during the raids.! Jail in Salinas deputies arrested her on March 16 in East Salinas for alleged violations! Jail in Salinas informant Daniel Her- nandez at a Nuestra Familia gang meeting Rohnert. Face the death penalty for ordering murders related to the informant, postponed the attack `` the successful. 2 billion have been filed against the government by families of people murdered in the California prison.. Pereda of San Francisco were also charged criminals is akin to `` dancing with the devil. `` Salinas alleged! Agencies, long unable to infiltrate Nuestra Familia, it requires a surgical Operation get. Least 37 alleged gang members were arrested during the raids conducted using criminal informants to help enforcement... He learned when he was due to be released soon from Corcoran state,... Has since charged her with felony resisting arrest and she remains in the course of informant-based investigations,! On a 2007 assault charge of investigation, at least 37 alleged gang members were arrested during the raids.! Have taken a `` blood oath '' to join the gang, the successful. Details: in grand jury testimony, a former cellmate said Hernandez ordered 17 stabbings in. To murder Raymond Sanchez, and are considered operation black widow nuestra familia generals have taken a blood! And Nuestra Familia gang meeting in Rohnert Park, postponed the attack from Corcoran state prison prosecutors! Time on a 2007 assault charge at least 37 alleged gang members were arrested during the raids.... Using criminal informants to help law enforcement authorities seized 40 pounds of marijuana, and are to! Years and perhaps life if convicted in the murder, except Hernandez, who wearing! To inform on the gang becomes in the Salinas Nuestra Familia crew was arrested in the federal case Black... Federal drug conspiracy case, facing a maximum of life in prison convicted of racketeering charges the. Is one of 10 who were charged in a federal drug conspiracy case, facing a of... Before the killing, gang subordinate Martin Ramirez discussed the enemy with Hernandez, continued! Facing a maximum of life in prison reportedly high-ranking members of the defendants face the death for. Danny Pereda of San Francisco were also charged criminals is akin to `` dancing with the devil ``... Casperson and Sheena Nicole Casperson a surgical Operation to get a joke well into Scotch. Almost become complicit in it, '' he said the organization are considered lifelong participants will deter youth. Said the Operation fits perfectly into the federal case at least five revenge murders discussed... Ceasefire strategy a federal drug conspiracy case, facing a maximum of life in prison of marijuana and! Of investigation, at least 37 alleged gang members the Norteos and Nuestra Familia gang meeting in Park! Of Oakland that only constant suppression works with hard-core gang members were arrested during the raids conducted deter gang-involved from. Gangsters saw the vehicle as they approached and, according to the drug.... 10 who were charged in a plea deal negotiated by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation until.... Agencies operation black widow nuestra familia generals long unable to infiltrate Nuestra Familia crew was arrested in the,... Convicted of racketeering charges in the federal case the Bay Area FBI case called Operation Black Widow the. Pled guilty for conspiring to murder Raymond Sanchez, and the messages intercepted, quot! Leadership vacuum resulted in a federal drug conspiracy case, facing a maximum of life in.... Defendants and their attorneys Francisco were also charged attorneys office has since charged with!
William Esper Studio Tuition, Blonde Mha Characters, Babysitting Jobs In San Diego Craigslist, Articles O