Summary
Dozens of suspected members of the San Fernando Valley Peckerwoods gang, a white supremacist organization in California, have been indicted on federal charges related to drug trafficking, weapons violations, and fraud. The indictment, which includes 68 defendants, highlights the gang’s involvement in a range of criminal activities, including the trafficking of fentanyl, illegal firearms possession, and COVID-19 relief fraud.
The federal investigation, described as one of the largest takedowns of an extremist group in Los Angeles history, alleges that the Peckerwoods have been operating for nearly a decade, using violence and intimidation to expand their criminal enterprises. The gang is known to have ties to the Aryan Brotherhood and the Mexican Mafia, further complicating the landscape of organized crime in California. The charges against the gang members include conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, distribution of controlled substances, and identity theft related to fraudulent Paycheck Protection Program applications. If convicted, the defendants face severe penalties, including potential life sentences.
Criminal Activities and Allegations
- Drug Trafficking: The gang is accused of trafficking various drugs, including fentanyl, heroin, and methamphetamine, to generate revenue for their operations.
- Weapons Violations: Members are charged with illegal possession of firearms, which they allegedly used to further their drug trafficking activities.
- Fraud Schemes: The indictment reveals that gang members engaged in identity theft and submitted false applications for COVID-19 relief funds, exploiting government programs intended to assist struggling businesses.
Law Enforcement Response
U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada emphasized the destructive nature of the gang’s activities, stating that their operations have contributed to violence and fear in communities. The Justice Department, along with local and federal partners, aims to dismantle the gang’s infrastructure and prevent further criminal activity. Attorney General Merrick Garland referred to the indictment as a “decisive blow” to the Peckerwoods, indicating a strong commitment to addressing the threat posed by extremist groups involved in organized crime.
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