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35 Arrested in Bakersfield Gang Takedown
Bakersfield, CA – In a major crackdown on gang activity, law enforcement officials announced the arrest of over 35 members and associates of the West Side Crips (WSC), a local criminal street gang, on federal and state charges including burglary, illegal gun possession, drug sales, and murder.
The investigation, which began in March 2017, was a result of a 10-month probe conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Bakersfield Police Department, the United States Attorney’s Office, the California Highway Patrol, and the Kern County District Attorney’s Office.
The alleged crimes presented in the federal and state cases include weapons violations, unlawful possession of a firearm, assault with a deadly weapon, robbery, money laundering, methamphetamine sales, crack cocaine sales, opiate sales, attempted murder and murder. The affidavit also details WSC members’ plan to shoot into a crowd of approximately 200 people, including rival gang members, at a local park in early October 2017. Their plan was thwarted by law enforcement as a result of this investigation.
U.S. Attorney Talbert stated: “This operation is another example of how my office has worked closely with our state, local and federal law enforcement partners to combat violent criminal street gangs and their associates. As part of our Project Safe Neighborhood initiative, we are committed to collaborating with these partners to hold accountable those who make our communities unsafe.”
Bakersfield Police Chief Lyle Martin stated, “This gang has victimized our city through a system of murder and intimidation. We are using the resources of our city, county, state and federal authorities to stop senseless acts of gun violence that are traumatizing and killing our city’s children. This is the enforcement piece to the department’s community-wide approach to addressing gang violence. “
The charges brought today are allegations — all defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
More than 300 law enforcement personnel from over 20 law enforcement agencies participated in the operation, which included the execution of over 30 residential search warrants.
This case is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, California Department of Justice, California Highway Patrol, Bakersfield Police Department, and Kern County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant United States Attorneys Angela Scott and Vincenza Rabenn are prosecuting the case.
Key Facts
- State: California
- Category: Violent Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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