Alleged Rollin' 30s Harlem Crips Members Arrested on Firearms, Drug Charges
By Jim Kouri CPP (10/08/08)
Yesterday, 22 federal defendants allegedly linked to the Rollin' 30s Harlem Crips street gang were arrested on firearms and narcotics charges, as federal agents and Los Angeles authorities executed arrest and search warrants this morning. Also, two state defendants were arrested during the course of this joint investigation. Fifteen federal defendants are still outstanding.
The Rollin' 30s investigation is being led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and focused on known gang members who are convicted felons actively trafficking narcotics while being armed. Over the course of this two-year investigation, 26 firearms, more than 800 rounds of ammunition, approximately $27,500 in narcotics proceeds and a large quantity of narcotics were seized by law enforcement authorities.
In addition to firearms and narcotic activities, the Rollin' 30s Harlem Crips gang members allegedly engaged in home invasion crimes. In late 2006, ATF investigators learned that gang members were involved in "flocking," a term gang members use to refer to home invasion robberies and burglaries they commit.
These individuals allegedly drive to different cities throughout the Los Angeles area and commit residential burglaries to steal money, drugs, guns and other items of significant value to them. Investigators identified several different gang members involved in "flocking" who called themselves the "Cash Me Out Boyz."
Many of the arrested gang members have significant criminal histories related to the charges brought today, including felony burglary, robbery and other convictions, as well as previous arrests for robbery, burglary and grand theft of property.
"As the violent crime police, ATF will continue to work diligently towards our goal of dismantling organized criminal groups who pollute our neighborhoods," said Special Agent in Charge John A. Torres of ATF's Los Angeles Field Division. "The common goal of reducing violent crime in our cities will be achieved through the collaborative efforts of federal, state and local law enforcement. The warrants executed this morning are an outstanding example of a collaborative effort made by ATF and our fellow law enforcement counterparts to make our cities safer."
United States Attorney Thomas P. O'Brien stated: "The 36 defendants charged in the federal indictments engaged in a wide range of criminal activity, including trafficking in OxyContin up and down the West Coast and distributing crack cocaine across the Los Angeles area. However, perhaps the most disturbing allegation against several defendants is their plan to use teenagers in a plot to stage a home-invasion robbery to steal a large quantity of cocaine. These charges demonstrate the danger posed by these gang members and their associates."
"Street gangs continue to bring fear into our communities through violence and intimidation," said DEA Special Agent in Charge Timothy J. Landrum. "The gang members arrested today were involved in trafficking dangerous drugs, including pharmaceutical drugs like OxyContin. These Rolling 30s gang members have been taken off the streets of Los Angeles as a result of the joint efforts of federal, state and local law enforcement."
"This task force is not only about removing guns and narcotics from our communities," said Deputy Chief Kenneth Garner, South Bureau. "This is also about taking dangerous criminals off the streets of Los Angeles."
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