Four Pomona gang members and Mexican Mafia associates have been found guilty of racketeering-related crimes, including the murder of a federal inmate in Los Angeles. This verdict was reached after a 20-day trial concluded with a jury finding all four defendants guilty of conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, along with other serious charges.
The convicted individuals, all hailing from Pomona, include Michael Lerma, Carlos Gonzalez, Juan Sanchez, and Jose Valencia Gonzalez. Notably, Lerma and Valencia Gonzalez were also found guilty of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and heroin, and both Gonzalez and Valencia Gonzalez were found guilty of being felons in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Sanchez, however, was acquitted of this last charge.
Acting United States Attorney Joseph T. McNally commented that "Today's verdict will take these offenders off our streets and make our community safer." The FBI’s Akil Davis added, "This case makes it clear that gang violence by Mexican Mafia members and associates has not only been directed from the streets but also from prisons in California."
The evidence presented at trial indicated that from 2012 to 2020, Lerma, a full member of the Mexican Mafia, controlled drug proceeds from Latino street gangs in Pomona and extorted incarcerated Latinos. The convicted defendants committed the murder at the Metropolitan Detention Center as a retaliation for an unpaid drug debt.
The sentencing hearings will be scheduled by United States District Judge George H. Wu. Each defendant faces a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment.
The case has resulted in 16 convictions so far, including significant prison sentences for other associates involved in related criminal activities. The investigation was carried out by the FBI in collaboration with multiple law enforcement agencies, illustrating a sustained effort to combat organized crime.
Assistant United States Attorneys Kyle W. Kahan, Jason A. Gorn, and Kellye M. Ng are in charge of prosecuting this case.