SAN JOSE, CA – Mario Cardenas, 22, of San Jose, is headed to federal prison for eight years and four months after admitting his role in a brutal Sureño gang conspiracy. U.S. District Judge Edward J. Davila handed down the 100-month sentence yesterday, marking the sixteenth conviction in a sweeping FBI operation targeting violent crime and methamphetamine trafficking in Santa Clara County.
Cardenas pleaded guilty February 22, 2017, to RICO conspiracy and using a firearm during a crime of violence. Prosecutors detailed how Cardenas was a member of Sur Santos Pride (SSP) for at least five years, from January 2009 through January 2014. SSP, according to court documents, was a collective of Sureño gang members and associates dedicated to escalating violence – including murder, attempted murder, and robbery – to benefit the gang. The objective wasn’t just petty crime; it was establishing dominance and control through fear.
The SSP operated like a criminal business, routinely pooling resources to purchase firearms for use in their violent endeavors. Cardenas admitted to participating in meetings where funds were collected for gun buys, where they plotted to extort local pimps with the threat of violence, and where “taxes” were collected to appease the Mexican Mafia. Gang members even decided amongst themselves who would hold the weapons, ensuring a constant state of readiness for conflict. The gang’s allegiance to the Mexican Mafia dictated many of their actions, turning local disputes into directives from prison kingpins.
Cardenas was one of 27 Sureño gang members indicted on March 19, 2014, facing a barrage of charges. He specifically faced charges of RICO conspiracy, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1962(d); conspiracy to commit murder in aid of racketeering, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1959(a)(5); conspiracy to assault with a dangerous weapon in aid of racketeering, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1959(a)(6); and use and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c). He ultimately pleaded guilty to the RICO conspiracy and the firearms charge.
This sentencing is part of a larger FBI crackdown on Sureño gangs in Santa Clara County, led by the Santa Clara County Violent Gang Task Force. Several other defendants have already received lengthy prison terms. JOSE DAVID SANCHEZ a/k/a “Joker” was sentenced on 10/21/14 to 77 months for Distribution of Methamphetamine. JUAN CHAVEZ a/k/a “Dukester” received the same sentence on 10/30/14, also for Distribution of Methamphetamine. ANDY LAMB LOPEZ a/k/a “Solo” received 45 months on 2/23/15 for Felon in Possession of Firearm. MIGUEL MIRANDA a/k/a “Payaso” got 120 months on 2/23/15 for Distribution of Methamphetamine. MARIO GUERRERO a/k/a “Lil Junior” received 85 months on 8/27/15 for Distribution of Methamphetamine, and FRANCISCO RAMIREZ a/k/a “Cisco” received 46 months on 11/2/15 for the same charge. JORGE RODRIGUEZ a/k/a “Brownie” was sentenced to 160 months on 2/1/16 for RICO Conspiracy and VICAR Attempted Murder.
The investigation remains ongoing, with several other defendants scheduled for sentencing in the coming months. Three defendants remain in custody awaiting trial, with a status conference scheduled for June 5, 2017. U.S. Attorney Brian J. Stretch and FBI Special Agent in Charge John F. Bennett announced the sentencing, signaling a continued commitment to dismantling these dangerous criminal enterprises and bringing those responsible for violence to justice.
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Key Facts
- State: California
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Organized Crime|Violent Crime|Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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