'Extremely Violent' LA Gang Suffers Blow From Massive Takedown Operation: FBI

LOS ANGELES, CA — Over a dozen accused members of an "extremely violent" street gang associated with the Mexican Mafia were arrested Tuesday as part of what federal, state and local authorities painted as a major blow to organized crime.

Several federal and state arrest and search warrants were served Tuesday morning by hundreds of law enforcement personnel targeting members and associates of Rancho San Pedro, which the FBI said is one of the most active and violent gangs operating in the Los Angeles Harbor area.

Thirteen of the 19 people charged in the case were arrested. That includes eight of the 14 people charged in a federal case, as well as five others who are facing charges filed by the Los Angeles County District Attorney, according to the FBI.

“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 Racho San Pedro and their Mexican Mafia overlords, and lead to safer streets for San Pedro residents.”

The federal case charges 13 people with a RICO conspiracy and for conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. The defendants are accused of trafficking methamphetamine, fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and phencyclidine. RICO cases — which stands for Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations — is frequently used to target organized crime.

Authorities described the Rancho San Pedro Enterprise as a multi-generational gang that counts some 500 people as members. They're divided into six cliques, including two made up of women.

RSP, which dates back to the 1970s and claims San Pedro as its territory, operates under the control of Mexican Mafia who are incarcerated in California state prisons, according to the FBI.

Two incarcerated gang leaders directed extortion, drug distribution, firearms transfers and decisions about who held what positions within the gang, according to court documents.

Prosecutors claim the gang make payments known as "taxes" to the leadership in return for their protection. Members who violate the gang's rules are subject to "discipline" in the form of assault.

Serious violations, including cooperation with law enforcement, may result in death, according to the complaint.

City News Service contributed to this report.