A federal grand jury has indicted six individuals for racketeering and controlled substance offenses in connection with the Mexican Mafia, also known as La eMe. The indictment was announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith and involves defendants Ronaldo Mudrano Ayala, Angel Anthony Esparza, Ronald Paul Sepulveda, Samuel O. Morales, Allen David Fong, and Alexis Rodriguez.
According to court documents, La eMe is an organization that engages in various illegal activities including extortion, arson, drug trafficking, and firearms trafficking. Founded in Folsom State Prison, it now exerts influence both inside and outside prison systems across California and beyond.
The indictment details how La eMe collected revenue through "La eMe taxes" on illegal activities within their areas of control. They formed a partnership with the Sinaloa Cartel to provide protection for incarcerated cartel members in exchange for controlled substances from Mexico.
Ronaldo Mudrano Ayala allegedly oversaw tax collection efforts and maintained agreements with the Sinaloa Cartel. Angel Anthony Esparza handled business operations related to these taxes while Ronald Paul Sepulveda executed directives outside prison. Samuel O. Morales organized Sureño gangs to improve tax collection around Seattle. Allen David Fong facilitated drug transactions from prison while Alexis Rodriguez assisted in extortion plots against musicians.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Abendroth is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Ayala, Esparza, and Fong face life imprisonment while Sepulveda, Morales, and Rodriguez could receive up to 20 years in prison along with fines. The charges remain allegations until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) initiative aimed at dismantling significant criminal organizations operating in Eastern California.