Salinas gang member sentenced for “hunting” and shooting at rival gang members
A Salinas gang member was sentenced to more than 17 years in prison for violent acts including hunting and shooting at rival gang members.
According to the Department of Justice, 29-year-old Julian Ruiz was sentenced to 210 months in prison for his role in a racketeering conspiracy and for using or possessing firearms in violent crimes.
“Mr. Ruiz and the East Las Casitas gang have committed horrible acts of violence against the public,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Tse. “This prosecution and today’s appropriate sentence will hopefully provide solace to the victims, their families, and the Salinas community.”
“This sentencing is a testament to our dedication to get members of violent gangs and criminal organizations off the street and out of our communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Bennett of the FBI’s San Francisco Division. “Those who facilitate violent acts by racketeering and other means cannot and will not be tolerated.”
Officials said Ruiz admitted to being a member of the Norteño street gang known as “East Las Casitas” or “ELC” since at least 2006. The gang attacked and killed rival gang members among other crimes.
Ruiz also admitted to attempted murders in 2009 including hunting gang members and shooting at them.
In October of 2015, Ruiz was charged with racketeering, conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering and conspiracy to commit assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering among others.
Ruiz pleaded guilty to one of the racketeering charges and the firearms charge. The DOJ said the investigation leading to the indictment was part of the FBI’s crackdown on Norteño gangs in Monterey County.
Ruiz was also sentenced to a five year period of supervised release after he finishes his prison sentence.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kimberly Hopkins, Christiaan Highsmith, and Stephen Meyer prosecuted the case with the help of Nina Burney Williams, Adria Trgovich, and Lance Libatique. The prosecution is also the result of an investigation by the FBI and Salinas Police Department.
