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Feds Arrest 12 in Los Angeles Takedown of 18th Street Gang

Prosecutors portray a prison-directed enterprise controlling drug sales in MacArthur Park.

Overview

  • Seven federal grand jury indictments were unsealed alleging racketeering conspiracy, murder in aid of racketeering, drug trafficking and extortion.
  • Authorities say Keiko Marie Gonzalez, known as "Moms," acted as street boss and ordered a 2022 killing over unpaid extortion taxes.
  • Prosecutors describe 18th Street as affiliated with the Mexican Mafia and controlling parts of the drug trade in MacArthur Park and Skid Row.
  • The multiyear probe, called Operation Dead Horse, produced seizures exceeding 175 pounds of methamphetamine and fentanyl, plus roughly $80,000 in cash, 10 pounds of fentanyl, five pounds of meth and six firearms during the raids.
  • Six suspects remain at large, with officials saying one is believed to be in Mexico and another in Guatemala.