Jurors convict nine in LA street gang case

Nine members or associates of the Vineland Boys were convicted Thursday of federal charges aimed at crippling the street gang.

Jurors deliberated for nearly seven days before reaching their decision. All nine defendants were found guilty of conspiring to distribute drugs and other drug-trafficking charges that carry a maximum sentence of life in prison.

Seven of the nine were also convicted of violating the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, or RICO, which carries a penalty of up to 20 years in federal prison.

Prosecutors alleged the seven participated in a criminal enterprise that was responsible for the murder of Burbank police officer Matthew Pavelka during a traffic stop in 2003.

“This is the first time in Southern California that the RICO statute has been used to dismantle the leadership of an entire street gang,” said U.S. Attorney Debra Wong Yang. “As criminal organizations become more sophisticated and more international in scope, we will apply whatever methods are necessary to end their senseless acts of violence.”

All nine defendants were scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 8.

Authorities believe the San Fernando Valley gang started as a group of football buddies in the 1980s and grew into a criminal enterprise that engaged in murder, drug dealing and intimidation.

The gang had an extensive drug-trafficking network, which distributed cocaine, methamphetamine and marijuana throughout the Los Angeles area, as well as in Hawaii, Indiana and the East Coast.

A total of 36 people have been convicted as a result of an indictment that charged the gang with various RICO counts.

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Jurors convict nine in LA street gang case
SFGate