Los Angeles, California – Thirteen individuals linked to the Mexican Mafia prison gang faced charges from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for their alleged involvement in a drug smuggling operation and a violent assault inside the Los Angeles County jail system.
According to authorities, the investigation into the smuggling of narcotics and the assault on an inmate within the jail began in February 2022. The operation, reportedly coordinated by high-ranking Mexican Mafia associates outside the jail under the direction of a member in state prison, aimed to control criminal activities from behind bars.
Allegedly, a Mexican Mafia “facilitator” conveyed orders to associates within the jail to attack an inmate who falsely claimed to be a member of the gang, leading to a violent assault. Meanwhile, within the jail, other inmates known as “shotcallers” orchestrated the movement and sale of smuggled drugs to generate profits for the Mexican Mafia.
Law enforcement officials seized over 30 grams of heroin from an inmate found in possession of narcotics, leading to further investigations and arrests of individuals involved in the operation. During a search of the facilitator’s residence, authorities discovered methamphetamine, a firearm, Mexican Mafia communications, and a significant amount of cash labeled with the names of jail shotcallers.
Several suspects have been arrested, while others await apprehension by law enforcement. The Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department Major Crimes Bureau and the FBI’s San Gabriel Valley Safe Streets Task Force collaborated in the investigation, focusing on organized crime and gang activities within the county.
The case is being prosecuted by Deputy-In-Charge Lou Avila and Deputy District Attorney Abbigail Briones with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office Prison Crimes Unit. Authorities continue to urge anyone with information on the fugitives to contact the FBI or local law enforcement offices. The ongoing effort aims to combat gang violence and criminal enterprises operating within the Los Angeles County jail system.