9-year Oakland police investigation leads to arrests of notorious Sureño gang members tied to murders
A federal grand jury indicted nine men with alleged ties to the notorious Sureño gang on charges related to murder, and narcotics and firearms distribution. Some of them men were arraigned on Thursday.
The Oakland Police Department says those who were arrested held big roles in the gangs and were driving most of the violence.
"Our officers worked tirelessly to identify and arrest members of two Sureño gangs believed to be responsible for 34 homicides across the Bay Area, including 24 here in Oakland," says Oakland Assistant Police Chief James Beere.
Assistant Chief Beere says the groups were highly active, and engaged in robberies, drug and firearms trafficking and shootings.
On Wednesday morning, OPD and FBI served 10 search warrants: eight in Oakland, one each in Modesto and Stockton.
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OPD says eight of the 12 suspects tied to the charges were arrested in that operation. Two were already in custody, while two others are still outstanding.
In a statement released by the FBI, United States Attorney Craig H. Missakian writes, "My office will continue to partner with local and federal law enforcement to reclaim our streets from the gangs who threaten our residents."
"We are grateful for the U.S. Attorney's Office, which has federally charged nine of the suspects. Three additional suspects are facing state charges," explains Beere.
Assistant Chief Beere says the gangs are well organized with ties to gangs in other countries. The FBI says the Sureños gang is generally recognized as the primary Mexican Mafia prison gang. Adding that many of those arrested are in the United States illegally.
"While we continue to focus on disrupting the violent and illicit operations of local street gangs, today's arrests mark significant progress in that ongoing fight," says FBI Acting Special Agent in Charge Matt Cobo, in the statement.
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Oakland police says the violence was not just against rival gangs, but also linked to violence within the gang.
"The shootings were brazen, sometimes occurring in broad daylight. At crowded parties at night. In parks, on streets and in homes. We have even had violence associated with this group that have occurred within in churches," says Berre.
In statement to ABC7 News, Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee commends the work of OPD and the FBI, writing, "It demonstrates our commitment to pursue justice relentlessly and work with every resource and partner necessary to hold those responsible to account."
Oakland police says it has been investigating the Sureño gang since 2016. Assistant Chief Beere warns that more arrests are coming.
"We are likely going to track you down and arrest you. We have not finished. This case is not done," says Beere.
State charges are also being filed in connection to these current arrests, which involves the Alameda County District Attorney's Office.
