The federal prosecutors have announced that dozens of members and associates of a street gang in South Los Angeles, including 23 suspects arrested on August 6, are facing serious charges including murder, fentanyl trafficking, and extortion.
According to reports from the city news agency, a federal grand jury indictment released on August 6 charged 37 members and associates of the Florencia 13 gang (referred to as F13) in South Los Angeles, some of whom are already in custody by state or federal agencies. Authorities are currently still pursuing eight suspects, some of whom are believed to have fled to Mexico.
The federal prosecutor’s office stated that these gang members are involved in various criminal activities, such as operating illegal late-night bars and clubs known as “casitas,” collecting high “taxes” from these operations, trafficking drugs like fentanyl and methamphetamine, and possessing and using firearms illegally.
If convicted, most of the defendants could face federal imprisonment ranging from 10 years to life.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has stated that the F13 gang is notorious for its brutal methods when carrying out murders.
In 2022, three men who were members of the F13 gang were convicted for robbing and murdering off-duty Los Angeles Police Officer Fernando Arroyos.
In October 2022, a group of gang members from South Los Angeles beat a victim to death outside a bar in the Florence area. The victim was stomped on, kicked, punched, and beaten with baseball bats.
U.S. Prosecutor Martin Estrada stated in a release, “Street gangs have had a devastating impact on our community through crimes such as murder, drug trafficking, and violent robbery.”
He added, “We must unite to combat gang violence. Today’s arrests and seizures demonstrate our relentless efforts to combat these criminal organizations.”