"Gator Roll" Alleged "R.I.C.O. Act dealing with Santa Barbara "Gangs". Where is the Real Corruption? In the District Attorneys Office and Superior Courts!

Is it just me or did anyone notice in my recap from the 3 news press stories yesterday what's missing? I see no reported opening remarks from the District Attorney prosecuting the case. How can the general public decide if they met there obligation. What a coincidence that this went to trial and is getting so much attention just as we are about to vote for District Attorney. Marketing is everything in Santa Barbara. No opening remarks to present the defendants defense in the press either for public knowledge. Than I looked at the witness's and what as been placed before us so far and have to ask? Who was the investigator that placed the wire on the informant? Would he not be called up first to set the stage and clear all legality's and any challenges a good defense attorney might have ?However what is most obvious is that the witness's are being called up before any fact from law enforcement has been presented to the jury. Now it also seams a conflict of interest to testify before fact has even attempted to be established. So all I do see is 4 defense Attorneys doing a Tango to the District Attorneys beat at the cost of the Constitution of our United States.

What do you think?

I am currently finishing a posting but felt that since the 3 day holiday was amongst us some people might want some research to do. So below are the press releases from 2008 for Gator Roll. Please take note of the fact there is no press release from the City Ventura and no mention of any assistance in the media from Ventura as well. Now I am just suggesting that one might want to be sure and
A- ask if there as been discovery requested and released to protect alleged defendants rights that the Santa Barbara District Attorney is currently prosecuting. Now I am sure even the Superior Court Judge would be aware to advise the defendants of there Constitutional rights because of the presence of “ R.I.C.O.”

As hope everyone has a safe Holiday



Magic

Compare the two press release documents Santa Barbara VS. Santa Maria


http://losangeles.fbi.gov/dojpressrel/pressrel08/la101508usa.htm
United States Attorney's Office
Central District of California

Thom Mrozek
Public Affairs Officer

(213) 894-6947
thom.mrozek@usdoj.gov


October 15, 2008



JOINT LAW ENFORCEMENT OPERATION LEADS TO ARREST OF NINE MEMBERS OF VIOLENT SANTA BARBARA STREET GANG



A joint federal-state law enforcement operation this morning led to the arrest of nine members of a Santa Barbara gang who are named in a federal racketeering indictment that alleges the gang has engaged in murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to commit murder, conspiracy to distribute narcotics, distribution of narcotics and robbery. This case represents the first racketeering case ever brought on the Central Coast.

The indictment charges a total of 28 defendants, including 19 under the Racketeer Influenced Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act. Several defendants are additionally charged with violent crimes in aid of racketeering, as well as distribution of heroin and distribution of cocaine, in the indictment returned last week by a federal grand jury in Los Angeles. In addition to the nine defendants arrested this morning, 17 defendants charged in the indictment are already in custody on state charges and are expected to be turned over to federal authorities. Authorities are continuing to search for two defendants.

The federal racketeering case brought against the Eastside gangsters will go a long way towards protecting the citizens of Santa Barbara and the numerous visitors who come here every year,” said United States Attorney Thomas P. O’Brien. “We will continue to work with our local law enforcement partners throughout this district to combat gang violence."

In addition to the federal RICO case, the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office is expected to charge 17 defendants in Superior Court. Immigration authorities additionally arrested one person on suspicion of being an illegal alien.

The Eastside gang has claimed as its turf the area east of State Street in the central part of Santa Barbara. Broken into four sub-groups or “cliques,” the gang is believed to be comprised of more than 150 members, some as young as 11.

The indictment alleges that members of the gang frequently engaged in“cruising,” in which Eastside members armed themselves with an array of deadly weapons, including knives, baseball bats, and pipes, and drove in groups to Westside gang territory to attack members or associates of that gang.

Eastside rules required that members of the gang attack individuals who enter areas frequented by the gang, including individuals who might be in gang areas to shop in stores or eat at restaurants, according to the indictment, which also alleges that the gang was hostile to the presence of African-Americans in areas frequented by the gang. Eastside members intimidated, threatened and assaulted persons in areas they frequented as a means to control the people in those neighborhoods, including potential witnesses who might testify in court about their crimes.

The indictment alleges that the gang was responsible for the murders of two rival gang members last year. The indictment also alleges that gang members attempted to kill six other victims.

ATF will continue to have a presence wherever gangsters have a presence,” said John A. Torres, Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Los Angeles Field Division. “We will not allow them to victimize our neighborhoods through their criminal activities. As a team, federal and local law enforcement agencies are committed to making sure that gang members feel the impact of justice brought forth upon them.”

Salvador Hernandez, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI in Los Angeles, stated: "The FBI has partnered with the City of Santa Barbara and the ATF to address the recent escalation of gang-associated violence in the city of Santa Barbara. The Eastside gang, like many others, pursues its criminal objectives through violent acts, including murder, robbery and assault. Taking the most violent criminals off the streets and sending them to prison for many years is a step toward restoring order in the communities in which they operate."

The indictment charges 19 defendants with participating in a conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, a count that alleges 205 overt acts related to the conspiracy. The indictment also names various defendants in 13 counts of violent crime in aid of racketeering, one count of discharge of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence, two counts of conspiracy to distribute cocaine, seven counts of distribution of cocaine, three counts of distribution of methamphetamine, two counts of distribution of heroin, one count of sale of a firearm to a prohibited person, and one count of possession of a destructive device (Molotov cocktail).

“Today's operation has dealt a severe blow to one of the most dangerous street gangs operating in this area,” said Robert Schoch, special agent in charge for ICE investigations in Los Angeles. “Attacking and dismantling these ruthless organizations is one of ICE’s enforcement priorities and we will continue to work closely with our law enforcement partners to protect the community from the violence, crime and fear fostered by these gangs.”

The investigation into the Eastside gang was conducted by the Santa Barbara Police Department; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement; and the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office.

The main investigating agencies received assistance during this morning’s takedown from the Drug Enforcement Administration, the California Bureau of Narcotic Enforcement, the United States Marshals Service, the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department, the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Department, the Santa Maria Police Department, the Lompoc Police Department, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, the Ventura Police Department, the Oxnard Police Department, the Santa Paula Police Department, the Santa Barbara County Probation Department, and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (Parole Operations).

CONTACT: Assistant United States Attorney Mark R. Aveis
(213) 894-4477

Assistant United States Attorney E. Martin Estrada
(213) 894-3358



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SANTA MARIA GATOR ROLL Press Release
http://losangeles.fbi.gov/dojpressrel/pressrel08/la091008usa.htm
United States Attorney's Office
Central District of California

Thom Mrozek
Public Affairs Officer

(213) 894-6947
thom.mrozek@usdoj.gov


September 10, 2008



FEDERAL-LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT ACTION TARGETS 25 MEMBERS OF ENTRENCHED SANTA MARIA STREET GANG



An FBI-led task force, working in conjunction with local police, has targeted a Santa Maria street gang, marking the first time that federal authorities have joined with local police and prosecutors to identify and prosecute people affiliated with a Central Coast street gang.

This morning, in a coordinated effort involving approximately 75 law enforcement officials, 11 defendants were arrested on federal and state charges. They are among 25 people charged by prosecutors in relation to criminal activity associated with the Northwest gang, which has operated for decades in the City of Santa Maria.

“As we have demonstrated over the last several years, the only way to effectively fight the gang problem that plagues too many neighborhoods in our district is for local, state and federal authorities to join together to combat this issue,” United States Attorney Thomas P. O’Brien said at a press conference in Santa Maria. “You are seeing this collaborative effort for the first time on the Central Coast.”

Federal prosecutors have charged 17 defendants related to the Northwest gang. Several of the defendants potentially face sentences of life in federal prison, where there is no parole. All 17 defendants are facing mandatory minimum sentences of at least five years. The Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office has charged the remaining eight defendants.

During the investigation, which was conducted by the FBI’s Central Coast Safe Streets Task Force, working in conjunction with the Santa Maria Police Department, investigators seized nearly two pounds of methamphetamine, over five ounces of cocaine, two handguns and an assault rifle.

"We are pleased to be part of this partnership, which takes a regional approach to the suppression of criminal gang activity," said Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown. "The formation of the Central Coast Safe Streets Task Force is a shining example of law enforcement agencies working together to make our communities safer. It is part of our continuing commitment to a blended approach to dealing with gang activity and gang violence on the Central Coast. That approach involves a variety of enforcement, intervention, and prevention efforts."

The federal defendants are all charged with trafficking methamphetamine. The charges filed by the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office include possession of methamphetamine for sale and felon in possession of a firearm.

“Today’s operation shows how successful actions joining local and federal resources to target dangerous criminal gang activities in our communities,” stated Santa Barbara County District Attorney Christie Stanley. “It is our goal to make our cities and streets safer for all with operations such as this.”

At a press conference in March, United States Attorney General Michael B. Mukasey announced the formation of the Central Coast Safe Streets Task Force, although at that time the location of the Task Force was not revealed so as to maintain the integrity of the investigation being announced today. The FBI now has six Safe Streets Task Forces operating in the seven-county Central District of California. The Safe Streets Violent Crime Initiative allows each FBI Field Division to address violent street gangs and drug-related violence through the establishment of FBI-sponsored, long-term, proactive task forces focusing on violent gangs, crimes of violence, and the apprehension of violent fugitives.

"Unfortunately, the nation's gang problem, for so long confined to its biggest cities, has spread to less urban and populated areas – including California's Central Coast," said Salvador Hernandez, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI in Los Angeles. “To counter the threat locally, the FBI and its law enforcement partners in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties have joined forces. Today's arrests, the product of the Central Coast Violent Gang Safe Streets Task Force established earlier this year, demonstrate that joint commitment."

San Luis Obispo County Sheriff Pat Hedges commented: "Illegal street gang activity in our communities deserve our full attention, and they are receiving it. The cooperative effort between local and federal law enforcement and local and federal prosecutors will have a tremendous impact on curtailing gang-related crimes in our area."

The investigation into the Northwest gang resulted in 17 defendants being indicted by a federal grand jury in Los Angeles. All but one of those 17 are residents of Santa Maria. Those defendants are listed below in order of the maximum potential mandatory minimum sentence they are facing.

Subject to a mandatory life in prison sentence:

Daniel Valdez Benitez, aka Sporty, 28, who is charged with conspiring to distribute approximately 110 grams of methamphetamine, was arrested earlier this year and is scheduled to go to trial on December 16.
Subject to a 20-year mandatory minimum sentence:

Adrian Armando Guerrero, aka Big A, 37, who is charged with trafficking approximately 90 grams actual methamphetamine, is currently in state custody.
Michael Anthony Liendo, aka Big Mike, 34, who is charged with trafficking approximately 90 grams actual methamphetamine, was arrested this morning.
Alexander Simartin Nogalez, 31, who is charged with trafficking approximately 90 grams actual methamphetamine, was taken into custody yesterday on a parole violation.
Jesse Anthony Nunez, aka Birdy, 29, who is charged with conspiracy to distribute approximately 110 grams of methamphetamine, was arrested earlier this year and is scheduled to go to trial on December 16.
Subject to a 10-year mandatory minimum sentence:

Anna Marie Leal, 21, who is charged with trafficking approximately 90 gramsof methamphetamine, was arrested this morning.
Christoval Pena, 50, of Oceano, who is charged with trafficking 18.5 grams of methamphetamine, is currently incarcerated in state prison.
Rupert Nicolas Rodriguez Jr., 31, who is charged with trafficking approximately 70 grams of methamphetamine, was arrested this morning.
Subject to a five-year mandatory minimum sentence:

Francisco Gerardo Alcala, aka Francisco Geraldo Alcala and Big Sporty, the brother of Daniel Benitez, 35, an illegal alien from Mexico, who is charged with trafficking approximately 10 grams of methamphetamine, was arrested earlier this year and is scheduled to go to trial December 2.
Amy Josette Garcia Estrada, 40, who is charged with trafficking approximately 5.4 grams actual methamphetamine, is currently in state custody, but is expected to be turned over to federal authorities today.
Christina Pauline Valdez, aka Christina Pauline Samaniego and Misdemeanor, 32, who is charged with trafficking 10 grams of methamphetamine, was arrested earlier this year and is scheduled to go to trial on December 2.
Eddie Joseph Ward, 27, who is charged with trafficking 10 grams of methamphetamine, was arrested this morning.
Joe Anthony Ward, aka Caveman, 29, who is charged with trafficking 10 grams of methamphetamine, was arrested yesterday.
The defendants arrested yesterday and today on federal charges, as well as those already in custody on probation or parole violations, are expected to make their initial court appearances tomorrow morning in United States District Court in Los Angeles.

There are four fugitives currently being sought by authorities who are facing federal charges. They are:

Peggy Sue Liendo Velasquez, 50, who is charged with trafficking approximately 90 grams of methamphetamine;
Santina Marie Rea, 26, who is charged with trafficking 18.5 grams of methamphetamine;
Vincent Nathaniel Beltran, aka Smalls, 19, who is charged with trafficking approximately 10 grams of methamphetamine; and
Cesar Raul Castillo, 41, who is charged with trafficking approximately 10 grams of methamphetamine.
Seven of the eight defendants facing charges in Santa Barbara Superior Court were arrested this morning. The defendants facing local charges are:

Amanda Chavez, 26, of Santa Maria;
Armando Chavez, 26, of Santa Maria;
Amy Estrada, 40, of Santa Maria;
Javier Limon, 31, of Santa Maria;
Fernando Medina, 32, of Nipomo;
Salvador Medina, 34, of Irving, Texas (who is still being sought);
Lorraine Valdez, 32, of Santa Maria; and
William Martinez, 30, of Santa Maria;
The first six state defendants are charged with narcotics offenses, while Valdez is charged with conspiracy to commit the crime of felon in possession of a firearm and Martinez is charged with grand theft.

The federal indictments and the charges filed by the Santa Barbara County District Attorney contain allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty.

The cases announced today are the result of a coordinated investigation by the FBI’s Central Coast Safe Streets Task Force, which is made up of agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and investigators with the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department and the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Department. The Santa Maria Police Department worked in close collaboration with the Task Force.

During this morning’s takedown, the Task Force received the assistance of the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE); the Lompoc Police Department; and the United States Marshals Service.

CONTACT: Assistant United States Attorney John J. Lulejian Violent and Organized Crime Section (213) 894-8603

Assistant United States Attorney Gregory A. Lesser Violent and Organized Crime Section (213) 894-6682

Chief Trial Deputy Ann Bramsen Santa Barbara County District Attorney's Office (805) 346-1468





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