In a groundbreaking verdict, four Pomona gang members and Mexican Mafia associates were found guilty of a series of racketeering-related crimes, including the murder of a federal inmate at the Metropolitan Detention Center (MDC) in downtown Los Angeles in June 2020.
The defendants, all from Pomona, were convicted of one count of conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, one count of violent crimes in aid of racketeering (VICAR) murder, and one count of first-degree murder within the special maritime and territorial jurisdiction of the United States.
The guilty defendants are:
- Michael Lerma, 68, a.k.a. “Pomona Mike” and “Big Mike;”
- Carlos Gonzalez, 41, a.k.a. “Popeye;”
- Juan Sanchez, 33, a.k.a. “Squeaks;”
- Jose Valencia Gonzalez, 44, a.k.a. “Swifty.”
The jury also found Lerma and Valencia Gonzalez guilty of one count of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances (methamphetamine and heroin) at MDC and in the Pomona area.
Additionally, the jury found Gonzalez and Valencia Gonzalez guilty each of one count of being felons in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
Sanchez was found not guilty of one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
All the defendants have been in federal custody since 2018.
This case highlights the ongoing threat of gang violence and the importance of collaboration between law enforcement agencies at the federal, state, and local levels.
The defendants are facing mandatory sentences of life in federal prison, with sentencing hearings to be scheduled in the coming months.
This case is part of a larger investigation that has already resulted in 16 convictions, including those of Cheryl Perez-Castaneda, 62, of Pomona, and Kelly Deshannon, 43, of La Verne.
Related Federal Cases
- Louis Torres, Methamphetamine Possession with Intent to Distribute, California 2021 · Idaho
- Garcia Molina, Drug Trafficking, California 2024 · California
- La Brecque, Drug Trafficking, California 2003 · California
- Kelly Deshannon, Violent Crime in Aid of Racketeering, California 2023 · Arkansas
- Michael Alexai Dragunov, Timeshare Telemarketing Scam, California 2023 · Idaho
Key Facts
- State: California
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime|Organized CrimeDrug Trafficking|Violent Crime|Organized CrimeDrug Trafficking|Violent Crime|Organized CrimeDrug Trafficking|Violent Crime|Organized Crime