Andrew Gusman, Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, Kansas 2011

A Dodge City man has pleaded guilty to a violent crime in aid of racketeering, as part of a federal indictment of 23 Norteno gang members in May 2012. Andrew Gusman, 21, pleaded guilty to assault with a dangerous weapon in connection with the case.

According to court documents, on March 30, 2011, Gusman was with fellow Norteno gang members Alfonso Banda-Hernandez, Enrique Gobin, and Jesus Sanchez at a Love's convenience store in Dodge City. They encountered George Gonzalez, a member of the rival Sureno gang, and threw gang signs at him. The group attempted to start a fight.

Later that day, they again encountered Gonzalez and began chasing his car. Gusman and Banda-Hernandez were in one car, and Gobin and Sanchez were in another car. During the chase, Sanchez fired shots at Gonzalez. After the shooting, the four defendants met outside of town.

Gusman's guilty plea marks the fifteenth defendant in the case to enter a guilty plea. He faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison and a fine up to $250,000. Sentencing is set for November 18.

U.S. Attorney Barry Grissom commended the Dodge City Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Ford County Sheriff's Office, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, Assistant Aaron Smith, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lanny Welch for their work on the case.

The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO Act) indictment filed in May 2012 was only the second time a federal RICO Act indictment had been filed in Kansas. The case highlights the ongoing efforts to combat gang activity in the state.

Gusman's involvement in the Norteno gang and his role in the violent crime are a serious concern for law enforcement and the community. His guilty plea serves as a reminder of the consequences of gang activity and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-ks/pr/gang-member-fifteenth-plead-guilty-dodge-city-racketeering-case