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EXCLUSIVE: Federal and local law enforcement officers arrested 14 suspected leaders of the Rancho San Pedro gang Tuesday in Los Angeles, capping a yearslong investigation into what the FBI called one of the most violent street crews in Southern California and a known arm of the Mexican Mafia.
“This action will cause a significant setback to Rancho San Pedro and their Mexican Mafia overlords and lead to safer streets for San Pedro residents,” said FBI Los Angeles Assistant Director Akil Davis.
Davis said the arrests dismantled “the command structure” of the gang.
LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell praised Harbor Division detectives for building the case “step by step.”
The federal complaint charges 13 defendants under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act and a 14th as a felon in possession. Prosecutors say the crew trafficked meth, fentanyl, heroin, cocaine and PCP while stockpiling guns to enforce orders.
Agents also served warrants at affiliated gang locations across the South Bay, as they pursued cartel supply lines tied to the Sinaloa network.
Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said the case shows “the power of partnerships,” and California Attorney General Rob Bonta said the raids “took illegal weapons and dangerous drugs off our streets.”
Rancho San Pedro, founded in the 1970s, mirrors the Mexican Mafia’s prison-based hierarchy and punishes disloyalty with assaults or executions, according to the complaint.
If convicted, most defendants face life in federal prison.
All 14 were due in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles on Tuesday. Officials said more arrests could follow as the investigation continues.
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