FRESNO, Calif. — In a significant crackdown on drug trafficking and firearms offenses, 14 federal defendants, including members of the Sureno criminal street gang in Merced County, were indicted for their roles in a bustling meth distribution ring. U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert announced the charges after a multi-agency investigation.
Starting in December 2016, law enforcement agencies targeted the gang members through undercover operations, surveillance, and intelligence gathered from firearms and drug buys. The operation culminated on May 10, 2017, when nearly 500 officers arrested over 50 gang members during a massive sweep.
The defendants face a litany of federal charges ranging from conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine to being felons in possession of firearms. Leading the pack is Robert James Guthrie, 22, who is charged with multiple counts, including distribution of cocaine and conspiracy to deal firearms without a license.
Other notable defendants include Andres Corona Prado, 28, accused of being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm, and Francisco Salgado, 25, who is also charged with attempted possession of methamphetamine. The investigation has exposed the gang’s intricate network that spanned from drug sales to firearms trafficking.
The indicted defendants are: Robert James Guthrie, 22; Andres Corona Prado, 28; Joseph Quirarte, 21; Francisco Salgado, 25; Marcos Hernandez, 33; Raul Zamudio Hurtado Jr., 34; Orasio Fierro, 25; Jose Rodriguez, 34; Zeb Stevens, 37; Vincent Michael Williams, 28; Abraham Sigala, 20; Daniel Garcia, 21; and Carlos Arauza-Parga, 26.
Most of the defendants also face state charges, indicating the severity of their crimes. This investigation serves as a stark reminder of the relentless effort by law enforcement to combat organized crime and drug trafficking in California.
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Key Facts
- State: California
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Weapons|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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