A notorious gang leader has been brought to justice in San Jose, California.
Jesus Armendariz, a high-ranking member of the Sureño gang, was sentenced to 15 years in prison for his role in a racketeering conspiracy, drug trafficking, and the use of firearms.
The sentence was handed down by the Honorable Edward J. Davila, U.S. District Judge, on [no date specified] after Armendariz pleaded guilty to one count each of racketeering conspiracy, use of a firearm in relation to a crime of violence, and conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams and more of methamphetamine.
According to the plea agreement, Armendariz admitted to being a Sureño gang member from at least January 2009 to at least January 2014 and performing the functions of a gang leader and liaison for the Mexican Mafia prison gang to Sureño gangs in San Jose, including the Sur Santos Pride (SSP) gang.
The SSP gang committed acts of violence, including murder, attempted murder, and robbery, for the benefit of the gang. Armendariz acknowledged that he conspired with SSP members and other Sureño gangs to carry out the violent precepts of the Mexican Mafia through a pattern of criminal racketeering activity.
Armendariz also admitted to fueling the Sureño gang members with guns and crystal methamphetamine provided by the Mexican Mafia and collecting money from each Sureño gang in San Jose on behalf of the Mexican Mafia. He was found with over 700 grams of crystal methamphetamine, three handguns, and an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle during a raid of his tattoo shop on January 30, 2014.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Davila ordered Armendariz to serve 5 years of supervised release and pay a $300 special assessment.
Armendariz is currently in custody and will begin serving his sentence immediately.
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Key Facts
- State: California
- Category: Organized Crime|Violent Crime|Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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