LOS ANGELES – In a dramatic conclusion to a years-long investigation, Jose Dorado, alias ‘Yogi,’ and Tannous Fazah, known as ‘Terist,’ were both sentenced to life without parole in federal prison following their conviction on charges including racketeering, narcotics, and weapons offenses.
The sentencing came after a grueling four-week trial last summer where the jury found Dorado and Fazah guilty of conspiracy to violate the RICO Act, conspiracy to commit violent crimes in aid of racketeering (VICAR), and conspiracy to traffic narcotics. They were also convicted of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and heroin, and being felons in possession of firearms and ammunition.
Evidence at trial revealed that Dorado and Fazah received an order from a senior member of the Florencia 13 gang to murder a junior member. The brutal attack took place in Huntington Park, where the victim was beaten unconscious by Dorado, Fazah, and others before Fazah shot him in the face.
Prosecutors argued that the heinous nature of the crime warranted life sentences, writing in their sentencing memos, ‘There is no crime more serious than murder.’ The drug trafficking charges against the two men were based on the gang’s activities in selling illegal narcotics and smuggling drugs into Los Angeles County jails.
The jury also found two other F13 members guilty, who have been recently sentenced to lengthy prison terms. Since the RICO indictment named 30 members of the F13 gang, a total of 25 defendants have now been convicted, with one deceased and four remaining fugitives.
This investigation was a collaborative effort by several law enforcement agencies, including the ATF, LASD, CDCR, HPD, and LAPD. The prosecution was led by Assistant United States Attorneys Terrence P. Mann, Sheila Nagaraj, and Victoria A. Degtyareva.
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Key Facts
- State: California
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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