Monterey County gang members charged for various violent crimes

Multiple Monterey County gang members are facing several charges for various crimes after a six year investigation.

According to the Department of Justice, a federal grand jury indicted the Salinas-based gang members for racketeering crimes, conspiracy to commit murder, assault in aid of racketeering, attempted murder in aid of racketeering, and assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering.

The indictment was handed down on October 3, 2013 and unsealed on Thursday, October 11, 2018.

The DOJ said the gang members committed crimes in and out of the Monterey County Jail for the wealth and reputation of the gang and themselves.

“As alleged, the Nuestra Familia prison gang and the Norteño street gangs have terrorized Monterey County residents for much too long,” said U.S. Attorney Tse. “The gangs have targeted anyone, even in jail, who does not obey their violent rules. We are thankful for the efforts of our federal and local partners to bring to justice individuals responsible for these alleged horrific criminal acts within our prison system.”

The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office worked with the FBI on this case.

Sheriff Steve Bernal said “We are proud to have partnered with our federal partners on this important investigation that will improve the safety of our entire community.”

According to the indictment, the gang members developed rules and rituals for members within custodial facilities in Monterey County. According to one rule, one someone reached a certain status within the gang, the only way to get out was by death.

The indictment also described how the gang targeted Monterey County for their crimes, specifically in or near Salinas.

Norteños also had rules to follow within the jail.

The defendants in this case have been charged with participating in assaults, attempted murders and drug trafficking within the Monterey County Jail.