An alleged member of the Florencia 13 gang has been charged in federal court following an attempted murder on Christmas Day. Javier Pedregon-Magana, also known as "Big Payaso" and "Paya," appeared in court after being indicted by a federal grand jury on February 12, 2025.
Court documents allege that Pedregon-Magana, 24, from West Jordan, Utah, attacked a defenseless victim on December 25, 2024. He reportedly stabbed the victim approximately seven times and then tried to run him over with the victim's car as he fled. The victim needed immediate medical attention due to severe injuries.
Pedregon-Magana is accused of being part of a criminal street gang and is said to have committed the attack to regain his standing within the gang. He faces charges including violent crime in aid of racketeering – assault resulting in serious bodily injury, assault with a dangerous weapon, and attempted murder.
His initial court appearance took place on February 26, 2025, before a U.S. Magistrate Judge at the Orrin G. Hatch United States District Courthouse in Salt Lake City.
The case was announced by Acting United States Attorney Felice John Viti for the District of Utah and is under investigation by multiple law enforcement agencies including the Sandy City Police Department, State Bureau of Investigation (SBI), and Salt Lake County Sheriff’s Office Metro Gang Unit.
The prosecution is being handled by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Utah as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). This initiative aims to reduce gun violence and other violent crimes through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and community organizations.
An indictment serves only as an allegation; defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.