Dejohn Wiley Leads Fresno Gun and Meth Trafficking Ring

Dejohn Wiley, 22, stood at the center of a sprawling street-level empire built on guns, meth, and fear—until federal agents slammed it shut. Leading a network tied to the Strother Boys gang, Wiley allegedly flooded Fresno’s most vulnerable neighborhoods with illegal firearms and narcotics, turning streets into war zones. Today, he’s facing 33 federal charges, including being a felon in possession of a firearm 14 times over, dealing unregistered weapons, and dumping meth onto the streets.

The takedown, dubbed Operation Slide Lock, culminated in 28 arrests—20 on federal charges, eight on state charges—after a relentless 12-month investigation. Agencies involved include the ATF, FBI, California Department of Justice’s Bureau of Investigation, MAGEC, and the Fresno Police Department. The operation specifically targeted violent criminal street gangs responsible for surging gun violence and drug distribution across the city’s east side.

Wiley wasn’t alone. Chris Wiley, 24, faces charges including conspiracy to traffic firearms without a license, possession of a firearm in a school zone, and drug distribution. Anthony Latimore, 21, is charged with similar gun-dealing conspiracy counts and possession as a felon, while Garry Sampson, 38, is accused of conspiracy to traffic firearms illegally. The indictments paint a picture of a tightly woven criminal enterprise moving guns and drugs with brazen precision.

“The seven indictments and the arrests today are part of a strategic plan to maximize state and federal resources to reduce gun violence in Fresno and keep its streets safe,” said Phillip A. Talbert, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of California. “These aren’t random arrests. This is dismantling a pipeline of violence.”

Fresno Chief of Police Jerry Dyer drew a direct line between this bust and past successes: “Just as Operation Dog Track served to dismantle the notorious Dog Pound gang, Operation Slide Lock will serve to cripple the Strother Boys gang.” FBI Special Agent in Charge Monica M. Miller reinforced the message: “The FBI will continue to work with its state, local and federal partners to aggressively pursue those who would traffic in illegal firearms in our neighborhoods.”

ATF Special Agent in Charge Jill Snyder called firearms trafficking “one of the most pressing issues today,” warning that unregulated guns end up in the hands of violent criminals and gangs. “Operations like the one conducted today make our neighbors safer by stopping the drivers of violence in our communities,” she said. As the Strother Boys’ network unravels, Fresno breathes—just a little easier—for the first time in years.