On November 8, 2012, Public Affairs Specialist Gina Swankie with the US Attorney’s Office announced that the Federal Bureau of Investigation Safe Streets Task Force (SSTF) arrested 17 individuals and conducted 11 search warrants in the Sacramento area.  The investigation targeted the trafficking of methamphetamine and firearms.  

The investigation seized the following:

•    about 25 pounds of methamphetamine and 40 pounds of marijuana
•    significant amounts of cocaine, heroin, and oxycontin
•    about $35,000 in cash
•    30 weapons with ammunition
•    12 cars, some luxury models like Lexus and Cadillac

The defendants were either members of or connected with the Nuestra Familia prison gang.  The following defendants were arrested for methamphetamine charges and/or firearms violations:

•    Vidal Dominic Fablela, “Spider”
•    Zubulen Cole Hughes, “Zeb”
•    Alberto Miranda, “Chingy”
•    Angelo Lorenzo Gonzales, “Lo”
•    Mario Hernandez Garcia, “Chic”
•    Jaime Ysidro Sturgis, “Hollywood”
•    Rudolph Edward Jimenez, “Pooh Bear”
•    Jose Andre Jaramillo, “Dre”
•    Alvaro Herrera, “Tuffy”
•    Arthur Albert Morales, “Art”
•    Cilvino Dejesus Hernandez, “Geto”
•    Juan Carlos Palacios Venegas, “Chayito”
•    Rusty Allen Rycraft, “Rusty”
•    Jesse Anthony Montanez, “Papas”
•    Ramon Jose Levario, “Kiko”
•    Sonny Melvin Gonzales, “Sonny G”
•    Zachary Kurtz, “Zach”

The SSTF uses combined efforts from the following departments and agencies: FBI, Sacramento Police Department, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, and the California Highway Patrol.  The following agencies also helped with the investigation: National Gang Intelligence Center, U.S. Bureau of Prison, Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department, and U.S. Federal Probation.  

Herbert M. Brown, the Special Agent in Charge of the Sacramento Division for the FBI, stated: “Removing dangerous drugs and violent criminals from our neighborhoods is essential to ensure a bright future for our families.  Takedowns such as these demonstrate that the FBI and its task force partners are committed to disrupting violent gang activity and improving the quality of life in our communities.”

Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation