Merced Cambero, Civil Rights Violation, California 2023

Grimy Times has learned that Merced Cambero, a gang member, has been convicted of violating civil rights in Highland Park, California, in a case dating back to 1999. On June 6, 1999, Cambero and fellow gang members shot and killed Kenny Wilson, an African-American man, as part of a series of racially motivated crimes.

The case went cold for over a decade, but FBI Special Agents worked tirelessly to track down witnesses and evidence. In 2022, Cambero was brought to justice and pleaded guilty to federal civil rights charges. He was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison on March 13, 2023.

The case highlights the importance of law enforcement’s tireless efforts to maintain public safety and preserve the freedoms enjoyed by all Americans. U.S. Attorney Nick Hanna honored over 200 law enforcement officials for their outstanding work in dozens of cases prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office.

The award recipients were recognized for their contributions towards protecting U.S. national security, responding to the opioid epidemic, combating fraud, fighting public corruption, preventing cyber-crime attacks, and enforcing the nation’s environmental laws.

Other notable cases honored at the ceremony included a team from the FBI, the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs’ Office of Inspector General, and IRS Criminal Investigation who worked together to convict David Richard Scott, a parking lot operator who cheated the VA out of over $13 million. Scott received a 70-month prison sentence and was ordered to pay $12.6 million in restitution and forfeit $8 million in assets.

The ceremony honored law enforcement officials from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigation, and several other agencies. The honorees included two FBI Special Agents who worked on the Cambero case, as well as six Canadian police officers who were recognized for their work in rooting out criminal wrongdoing in Southern California.