OAKLAND, Calif. — Nine men allegedly linked to two Oakland-based gangs have been charged with racketeering conspiracy in connection with two murders and other crimes, federal prosecutors announced Wednesday.
The nine were charged in an indictment filed Oct. 9 and unsealed Wednesday, when six of the nine were arrested in coordinated early morning law enforcement operations, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of California. Two others were already in custody and one suspect remains at large.
Video showed heavy police activity with the FBI involved on Coloma Street near Fruitvale in Oakland around 4 a.m. The FBI told ABC7 News, it conducted a court-authorized investigation.
Marvin Bonilla, 24; Edwin Cano-Merida, 24; Cesar Rolando Lucas-Pablo, 28; Walfer Mendoza-Mendoza, 31; Gonzalo Pablo, 25; Jeronimo “Orlando” Pablo-Carrillo, 41; Mario Pablo-Matias, 24; Raymundo Pablo-Matias, 31; and Carlos Ramiro-Mendoza, 28, are the nine alleged Sureno street gang members charged in the indictment.
Video in the media player above is from a previous update
Lucas-Pablo and Pablo-Carrillo were the two already in custody, while Pablo is the suspect who remains at large. Prosecutors said a number of the defendants were residing in the U.S. unlawfully.
The alleged gang members usually operated within specific territories in East Oakland and are accused of crimes that include two killings in 2019 of men perceived to be rival gang members, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office. Other crimes mentioned in the indictment include three attempted murders, attempted murder, attempted robbery, narcotics trafficking, and firearms trafficking.
Each defendant has been charged with one count of racketing conspiracy and faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted, while several of the defendants face additional charges and allegations. The suspects in custody are expected to be arraigned Thursday morning in federal court in Oakland.
“Like people everywhere, the residents of Oakland deserve safe and peaceful neighborhoods, not ones filled with fear and senseless violence,” U.S. Attorney Craig Missakian said in a news release. “My office will continue to partner with local and federal law enforcement to reclaim our streets from the gangs who threaten our residents.”
“These individuals have caused lasting damage to our community for years,” Oakland Police Assistant Chief James Beere said. “Their violent actions, including shootings and homicides, have left families mourning and communities forever changed.”
ABC7 News contributed to this report
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