Federal and local law enforcement officials have arrested 42 individuals connected to the SFV Peckerwoods, a white supremacist street gang based in San Fernando Valley, California. The arrests stem from a 76-count federal grand jury indictment that accuses them of engaging in a range of illegal activities, including drug trafficking, firearms possession, and fraud related to COVID-19 benefits.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland stated, "The Justice Department has dealt a decisive blow to the San Fernando Valley (SFV) Peckerwoods," emphasizing their alleged involvement in distributing fentanyl and other drugs as well as committing financial fraud. The charges target 68 defendants accused of violating several federal laws, including conspiracy under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act and various drug-related offenses.
The indictment outlines how members of the gang allegedly engaged in criminal enterprises directed by both the Aryan Brotherhood and Mexican Mafia prison gangs. U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada for the Central District of California remarked on the gang's impact: “The Peckerwoods’ violent white-supremacist ideology and wide-ranging criminal activity pose a grave menace to our community.”
Law enforcement seized large quantities of illegal firearms along with fentanyl, methamphetamine, and heroin during their investigation. FBI Assistant Director Akil Davis highlighted the significance of this operation against racially motivated violent extremists: “This case strikes at the heart of our collective mission to rid our communities of the corrosive elements that fuel violence and extremism.”
Among those charged are Claire Patricia Haviland, Brian Glenn Ekelund, and Brianne Brewer who allegedly managed drug stash houses. They are accused of using digital payment platforms like Zelle and CashApp for drug transactions.
Additionally, defendants Sean Craig Gluckman and Maria Anna James were involved in fraudulent applications for Paycheck Protection Program loans meant to aid businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. Chief Dominic Choi from the Los Angeles Police Department emphasized ongoing efforts to combat organized crime: “Today is yet another example of how local, regional, and federal law enforcement...are working together to investigate, apprehend and prosecute criminals.”
If convicted, those charged face maximum sentences ranging up to life imprisonment. Investigations were conducted by multiple agencies including the FBI, DEA, Los Angeles Police Department among others.
Anyone with information about COVID-19 related fraud can contact the National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline or use their online complaint form.
An indictment is merely an allegation; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.