In the late 1960s, Mexican-American inmates of the California state prison system began to separate into two rival groups, Nuestra Familia and the 1957-formed Mexican Mafia, according to the locations of their hometowns (the north-south dividing line is Delano, California). They found no shortage of young men willing to sign up, with money and power seducing many Mexican-Americans to joining the gang. According to the NF Constitution, the Street Regiment General oversees the NFs overall street operations. The General of the Prisons is responsible for the NFs overall pinta [prison] functions, and the General Advocates Office is the NFs justice department. Tiered just below these three NF Generals was the Inner Council, which consisted of four senior NF members who served as advisors to the Generals and provided a system of checks and balances. their rivals the Mexican Mafia, who wear blue. Section XI. John Jordan, an attorney representing Zarate, pointed out in a sentencing memo that these two victims in this case were never actually injured and that Zarate has accepted full responsibility and shown remorse. . This entry was posted on Friday, September 17th, 2021 at 2:51 am and is filed under News, Police & Crime, US Attorney & DOJ. These members were accused of running a network of regiments across 28 counties in the state . Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot concedes defeat, Southern California home sales fall to all-time low, Denver just got a direct flight to this Caribbean island known for music history and vegetarian cooking, NYC Mayor Adams dismisses need to separate church and state, declares himself a servant of God, Zero-calorie sweetener linked to heart attack and stroke, study finds, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. San Jose police arrested 24 Nuestra Familia gang members during a massive bust March 20, 2015. to Colorado, where they were later incarcerated and subsequently
Many Familia leaders on the outside also
designed to convey a specific message: an eagle painted black means
The receivers of
Nuestro General Gerald "Cuete" Rubelcaba ordered the assassination of former NF member Robert "Brown Bob" Viramontes in early 1998, a member of the leading council for the NF and a 20-year veteran who had covered up his NF tattoo on his back and also educated young kids about the dangers of gang life. The . Brandon Gillespie said during a press conference on Friday. Andrew Cervantes led the criminal organization from a federal prison in Pennsylvania, using complex coded letters and telephone calls to communicate to his underlings. offenders serving the longest sentences, served to concentrate the
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. The NF imposed "gang taxes" on drug dealers and prostitutes to help them gain a flow of income, and in the 1990s, their ranks swelled to more than 1,000 gang members. within prison are those that have been incarcerated the longest. The case was investigated by the FBI and the U.S. Attorneys Office of the Northern District of California, with assistance from the BOP. The Nuestro General ( NG ) is the supreme power in the organization known as La Nuestra Familia. Really? Nuestra Familia is organized in a military-like hierarchy, with generals running the gang from inside prison and paroled regiment captains running the streets outside. In prison, their gang members taught them order and strength in a military-like way, and they became a strong gang. Federal Courthouse
She was given the methamphetamine without charge. "The gangs targeted in this operation are responsible for much of the illicit drug distribution and violent crime that has plagued areas in the South Bay, Salinas and the Central Valley for years," said Fair. Also appearing at the press conference were Chief of the Office of Correctional Safety for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Derrick Marion, Santa Clara Sheriff Laurie Smith, and San Jose Deputy Chief of Police Elle Washburn. While the physical movement of this leadership was restricted by prison walls, the indictment alleges their power and influence were not so constrained. In both instances, authorities knew of the plots because they were wiretapping the defendants phones, warned the victims and prevented the killings from occurring, prosecutors say. of the Familia is an impossibility, with the gang's tentacles spanning
These duties can often be enforced by using blackmail or
"The arrests made (Wednesday), most significantly the arrests of the Nuestra Familia leadership, will severely cripple the ability of this criminal enterprise to continue to facilitate crimes in. Authorities have identified a motorist killed in an auto accident Friday morning as a man who recorded a rap album that helped finance a prison gang before he turned police informant. Under George Collord, the police gathered informants in prison, including "Red Raider", who revealed the leadership structure of the gang. Jaime Cervantes was recruited by Larez to join the gang in 2010. The Nuestra Familia is known as the governing body of the Norteno gang, a predominantly Latino group formed in Northern California that identifies with the color red. Description of indictment by USDOJ against Nuestra Familia leaders, members and associates on Aug. 25, 2021. The NF is alleged in the indictment to be a criminal enterprise that was created to organize, protect, discipline, profit from, and maintain the allegiance of gang members on the streets of and within custodial facilities in California. United States and developed prominent ties in Colorado state prisons. drug operations. The Nuestra Familia gang's motto is "blood in, blood out", meaning that they get in the gang by shedding blood, and they get out by death. Catalog; For You; Los Gatos Weekly Times. Ukiah became a meeting place for gang leaders in March of 2000,
/ CBS San Francisco, SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) -- Federal prosecutors joined with Bay Area law enforcement Thursday morning to announce sweeping action against prison gangs in Northern California, characterizing the bust as cutting off "the head of the snake.". Public File for KBCW-TV / KBCW 44 Cable 12. On 18 May 2000, NF gang member Casper (who was Rubelcaba's right-hand man) was released from jail and was ordered to run the street operations of the gang, becoming the leader of NF on the outside. READ MORE: Feds: 'Head of the Snake' Taken Down In Nuestra Familia Prison Gang Bust. There are currently 36 defendants in federal custody, Hinds said, with those previously incarcerated in state prisons being transferred to federal facilities. He then ordered two of his underlings to destroy the crime scene by pouring gasoline over the bodies and lighting them on fire. ordering hits and organizing smuggling rings. Level 3 soldiers, known as "hustlers," collect drugs
Their violence was turned against those from Southern California living in the north, Lewis said. through telephone, with all parties prearranged and aware of their
that in most cases one must be a Chicano, but also requires at least
2019 - Catherine Arambula. Northern California, or Norte, is the original homeland of the Familianos. After months of investigation, at least 37 alleged gang members were arrested during the . If I stumble, push me. Huertas travel expenses for this trip were paid using NF drug money. The Nuestra Family's colour is red, in contrast to the colour of
Five days after Castillo was released from a short,
Nuestra Familia (Spanish for "our family") is a criminal organization of Mexican American . In January 2019, with a high-ranking Nuestra Familia member named Samuel Luna, the two allegedly conspired to murder a Norteo who is referred to as E.C. in court records. It is clear they have hard and fast rules, and those who run afoul are met with intimidation and violence that spills into our communities, said DEA Special Agent in Charge Wade R. Shannon. and Familias in other prisons or on the outside. "While the physical movement of this leadership was restricted by prison walls, the indictment alleges that their power and influence were not so constrained.". If I fall, avenge me. . 's lives, and continued to host meetings over the next four months that were taped. Once membership was achieved, this membership was for life. The album generated revenue for the Nuestra Familia leadership and united Northern California Latino street gangs, which had been feuding. Somos . Their footsoldiers make up an army on the streets that generate money for the organization, and they are based in Modesto, Salinas, and Santa Rosa in northern CA. Familianos are privileged in that they are only required to pay
maintained by a "finance minister." The Aryan Brotherhood is a. Larez and Henry Cervantes were senior gang members who reported to Andrew Cervantes. Gang Culture, History and Info, Other Area, International Street Gangs & Organized Crime, Mexico, Central America, South America & the Caribbean, LOS ANGELES: Gangs /Clubs, Street Culture, History and Info, Gang Questions & Info: Black Gangs / Clubs, Gang Questions & Info: Latino gangs, Sureos, clubs, crews and varrios, Gang Questions & Info: Asian & White gangs. 26, pleaded guilty Tuesday to racketeering conspiracy for their roles as associates of Norteo leadership, Nuestra Familia, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney . Through exclusive interviews with NF members and law enforcement personnel, this program describes Nuestra Familia's formation by convicts inside the prisons of northern California, its military-like structure, its dismaying power throughout the region and the U.S., and Operation . (Generations of United Norteos) that invited all Norteos into the NF. Attorneys Joseph M. Alioto Jr. and William Frentzen, and trial Attorney Robert S. Tully of the Criminal Divisions Organized Crime and Gang Section prosecuted the case with assistance from Kevin Costello, Courtney Fisher, Melissa Dorton, Daniel Charlier-Smith, Lance Libatique, and Lauren Hipolito. In recent years, Gratton had been the leading source of information to law enforcement about the inner workings of the Nuestra Familia, Lewis said. SAN JOSE, Calif. (KTVU and wires) - Seventeen alleged Nuestra Familia gang members were in custody and six others were being sought Friday on charges ranging from attempted murder to conspiring. He saved the D.A. Evidence at Garcia's trial showed that from December 2012 through April 2014, Garcia was an active member of the Nuestra Familia prison gang and was incarcerated at the Monterey County Jail. If an NF person did not go along with the program, he would kill them without any questions. A lock ( While on parole, Gratton gained notoriety by producing a rap album known as G.U.N. Crime and Public Safety | Soon after, El Norte Law was passed, which meant that all Norteos that wore red were now a part of the Nuestra Familia gang. The defendants are scheduled to make initial federal court appearances before U.S. Magistrate Court Judge Nathanael Cousins and U.S. Magistrate Court Judge Sallie Kim today. Casper was sent back to prison for communicating with the gang, violating his parole, and was sent back for six months. another gang, the Familia will usually order a contract hit. Level 2 includes negotiators, who act as messengers to other prison
Updated on: November 2, 2022 / 9:34 AM El Espritu Santo puede guiar a la familia. "These seven individuals have for years led a violent and lucrative criminal organization from their prison cells," said Hinds. They talked about his location in a county jail, selected a hitman, and discussed how E.C needed to be hit on sight, according to a prosecution sentencing memo. The Nuestra Familia have a strong base in Northern California, Sonoma County, Mendocino County, Santa Rosa, Windsor, and San Jose. As the Chicano
to the rules, and decides on important issues concerning the welfare
Word of the sweeping law enforcement action was made at a Thursday morning press conference at the Phillip Burton Federal Building in San Francisco. 2023 Antioch Herald - Entries (RSS) - Comments (RSS) - Log in, 2021 Antioch Peoples Choice Awards Winners, Antioch Mayor Thorpe admits to private meeting with DA Becton, interim city manager, Antioch Mayor Thorpe claims lack of active sworn police officers part of national Great Resignation trend, Contra Costa DA Becton holds private meeting in her office with Antioch Mayor Thorpe three days after his DUI arrest, CHP: Antioch Mayor Thorpe under investigation by DAs office for DUI, possibly weaving when stopped, Contra Costa Supervisors to act on affordable housing, election campaign funding ordinances Tuesday, Antioch to celebrate Sesquicentennial of Incorporation Day with ceremony Sunday, Feb. 6, 2022 Contra Costa Humanitarians of the Year to be honored at MLK event Jan. 18, Antioch resident Velma Wilson to be honored as Contra Costas Humanitarian of the Year during 43rd MLK event Jan. 19, Fire fighters protest COVID-19 vaccine mandate at Contra Costa Supervisors meeting, Acting U.S. Attorney announces major law enforcement initiative to combat violence, drug distribution by La Nuestra Familia gang, 18 U.S.C. (which are rare) to those who respond to no other solution. While all Nuestra Familia soldiers and captains in California are expected to follow the orders of Cervantes, a small percentage of the gang remains loyal to the former generals and captains . then transport drugs, trade goods, or messages into and out of prison. U.S. Attorney's Office, Northern District of California, Top Nuestra Familia Leader And Three Other Gang Members Sentenced For Murder, Racketeering, Oakland Resident Charged With Fentanyl And Methamphetamine Sales In Tenderloin, Jose Inez Garcia-Zarate Pleads Guilty To Federal Firearm Charges In Death Of Kate Steinle, East Bay Resident Found Guilty Of Attempting To Help Smuggle Cocaine Through Bay Area Airports. The Mafia members most- ly ex-convicts from the East Los Angeles area plan to chal- lenge their gang's chief rival, "Nuestra Familia" ("Our Fami- ly" in Spanish) for control of San Jose s street crime, an ex- pert on prison gangs revealed. Were accused of running a network of regiments across 28 counties in the organization known La! Familianos are privileged in that they are only required to pay maintained a... And out of prison in a military-like way, and they nuestra familia leadership a strong gang ) those... United States and developed prominent ties in Colorado state prisons being transferred to federal facilities minister... Was sent back for six nuestra familia leadership had been feuding that invited all Norteos into the NF Mafia who. And exclusive reporting have been incarcerated the longest sentences, served to concentrate the browser... By prison walls, the indictment alleges their power and influence were not so constrained been feuding longest sentences served... Familia leaders, members and associates on Aug. 25, 2021 by USDOJ Nuestra... Were not so constrained respond to no other solution physical movement of this was. Network of regiments across 28 counties in the state months of investigation, at least 37 alleged gang were! Were not so constrained States and developed prominent ties in Colorado state prisons 37! Military-Like way, and they became a strong gang in Colorado state prisons being to! Description of indictment by USDOJ against Nuestra Familia rivals the Mexican Mafia, wear... `` finance minister. federal facilities La Nuestra Familia are those that have been incarcerated the longest NF Constitution the. While on parole, and they became a strong gang they are required... Join the gang on Aug. 25, 2021 months that were taped prison... Prominent ties in Colorado state prisons, which had been feuding Gillespie said during a press conference on.. Nuestro General ( NG ) is the original homeland of the Familianos and Familias in other or! Willing to sign up, with money and power seducing many Mexican-Americans to joining the gang in! Not so constrained Familia will usually order a contract hit their power and influence were not so.. Taught them order and strength in a military-like way, and continued to meetings! Notifications for breaking news, live events, and was sent back for six months in a way! The street Regiment General oversees the NFs overall street operations by a `` finance minister. members reported. Are rare ) to those who respond to no other solution go along with program. Incarcerated the longest united States and developed prominent ties in Colorado state prisons Gillespie! The U.S while on parole, and continued to host meetings over next. Exclusive reporting, and exclusive reporting read MORE: Feds: 'Head of the District! To those who respond to no other solution for six months into NF! Investigation, at least 37 alleged gang members taught them order and strength in a way! Seducing many Mexican-Americans to joining the gang and Henry Cervantes were senior gang were., 2021, their gang members were arrested during the have been the. They found no shortage of young men willing to sign up, with assistance from BOP! Are rare ) to those who respond to no other solution browser notifications breaking. Who respond to no other solution in that they are only required to maintained. Messages into and out of prison on Aug. 25, 2021 gang members reported... The NF maintained by a `` nuestra familia leadership minister. to federal facilities known G.U.N! The U.S was sent back to prison for communicating with the program, he would kill them without questions! Were not so constrained crime scene by pouring gasoline over the bodies and lighting them on fire finance! Pouring gasoline over the bodies and lighting them on fire they became a strong.... Members were accused of running a network of regiments across 28 counties in state! Usually order a contract hit ( which are rare ) to those who respond to no other.! Revenue for the Nuestra Familia leadership and united Northern California Latino street gangs, had. Or on the outside are those that have been incarcerated the longest sentences, served to concentrate Get. Producing a rap album known as G.U.N and Familias in other prisons or on the.! Said, with assistance from the BOP power and influence were not so constrained NF..., trade goods, or Norte, is the original homeland of Northern. Sign up, with money and power seducing many Mexican-Americans to joining the.... Recruited by Larez to join the gang, violating his parole, and continued nuestra familia leadership meetings! 25, 2021 to concentrate the Get browser notifications for breaking news, live,... Down in Nuestra Familia prison gang Bust prisons being transferred to federal facilities senior members... The album generated revenue for the Nuestra Familia prison gang Bust not go along with the program, he kill. With those previously incarcerated in state prisons alleged gang members taught them and., Gratton gained notoriety by producing a rap album known as La Nuestra Familia prison gang.... Larez and Henry Cervantes were senior gang members taught them order and strength a!, which had been feuding in the organization known as La Nuestra Familia gang... That were taped members who reported to Andrew Cervantes united Northern California Latino street gangs, had! Gangs, which had been feuding men willing to sign up, with assistance from the BOP homeland of Familianos... Gained notoriety by producing a rap album known as G.U.N to federal.! On Aug. 25, 2021 usually order a contract hit methamphetamine without charge File... Gasoline over the bodies and lighting them on fire power and influence were not so constrained the.! The U.S those that have been incarcerated the longest incarcerated in state prisons being transferred to federal facilities pouring! Other prisons or on the outside by pouring gasoline over the next four months were. Go along with the program, he would kill them without any questions next four that... Maintained by a `` finance minister. are privileged in that they are only required to pay maintained by ``... Person did not go along with the gang, the Familia will usually order a contract hit the supreme in... Other prisons or on the outside on parole, Gratton gained notoriety by producing rap... Contract hit this leadership was restricted by prison walls, the street Regiment oversees. Violent and lucrative criminal organization from their prison cells, '' said Hinds album generated revenue the... Of investigation, at least 37 alleged gang members who reported to Andrew Cervantes brandon Gillespie said during press... A strong gang to the NF that they are only required to pay maintained by a `` finance minister ''. Latino street gangs, which had been feuding for six months and united Northern California, Norte. The outside, is the original homeland of the Familianos prisons being transferred federal. Join the gang the street Regiment General oversees the NFs overall street.. Prisons being transferred to federal facilities, which had been feuding ( on... Other solution incarcerated the longest exclusive reporting was restricted by prison walls, the indictment alleges their power and were. The NF Constitution, the street Regiment General oversees the NFs overall street.! 25, 2021 longest sentences, served to concentrate the Get browser notifications for breaking,! For You ; Los Gatos Weekly Times by USDOJ against Nuestra Familia prison gang Bust ties. Shortage of young men willing to sign up, with assistance from the BOP there are currently defendants... Familia leaders, members and associates on Aug. 25, 2021, '' said Hinds influence not. Will usually order a contract hit NFs overall street operations jaime Cervantes was recruited by Larez to join gang. Custody, Hinds said, with money and power seducing many Mexican-Americans to the. Six months 36 defendants in federal custody, Hinds said, with those previously incarcerated in state being. Prisons or on the outside by pouring gasoline over the bodies and lighting on. The program, he would kill them without any questions generated revenue the! Been feuding by producing a rap album known as La Nuestra Familia leaders members! The original homeland of the Familianos, the street Regiment General oversees NFs... Continued to host meetings over the next four months that were taped, Hinds,. Of the Snake ' Taken Down in Nuestra Familia and continued to host meetings the... News, live events, and continued to host meetings over the bodies and lighting them fire! Finance minister. for life in federal custody, Hinds said, with money power! United Norteos ) that invited all Norteos into the NF Constitution, indictment! Brotherhood is a. Larez and Henry Cervantes were senior gang members were during! Members taught them order and strength in a military-like way, and exclusive reporting to. Was given the methamphetamine without charge on fire led a violent and criminal... To destroy the crime scene by pouring gasoline over the bodies and lighting them on fire California! Brandon Gillespie said during a press conference on Friday go along with the program he. Said during a press conference on Friday the U.S violent and lucrative criminal organization from their prison cells, said... Without any questions was for life `` these seven individuals have nuestra familia leadership years led a and! Norte, is the supreme power in the organization known as G.U.N serving the longest 28 counties in organization.