18th Street gang members arrested on racketeering charges

About a dozen 18th Street gang members and an attorney who allegedly served as an intermediary between the gang and the Mexican Mafia were arrested early this morning by federal agents and local police, according to a law enforcement official familiar with the case.

The arrests -- and those of dozens more alleged 18th Streeters already in custody on other charges -- are part of a racketeering indictment unsealed this morning, said the official, who was not authorized to speak about it publicly.

Among the crimes alleged in the indictment are the 2007 murder of a 3-week-old baby and a previously unsolved slaying from 2001, the law enforcement official said. The raid this morning was led by the FBI and the Los Angeles Police Department.

Authorities have scheduled a noon news conference at FBI headquarters in Westwood to provide details about the case.

-- Scott Glover

Comments

[KK]

If arrest like that takes place on a daily basis Los Angeles won't be gang capital of the world. The city would be cleaner and property price goes up. As for the ACLU stop supporting these criminals.

[J.D.]

I wonder if the Times will use the word 'immigration' in its coverage of this largely illegal-alien gang.....

[WhyH8?]

In regards to the comment posted by JD: I believe it is tragic that in this day and age in America, people can be so xenophobic and assume that just because a street gang is predominantly Hispanic, that they are "largely illegal". Unless JD is employed by ICE, the LAPD or some other government agency that has access to immigrant/gang/crime related statistics, that comment is ignorant, racist and unfounded. There are multitudes of other nationalities that contribute to the increasing violence in our country, particularly in the streets of L.A. This story is about a social crisis due to a deteriorating educational system, socio-economic challenges and lack of spiritual faith in America. Please...let's not turn this into an immigration issue.

[LiChi]

I agree, the comments posted by JD are far too racist ignorant, and yes unfounded.

This country has so many people of different races and cultures, many of whom were born here are are legal but due to the economy and lack of family support have unfortunatley turned to gangs. Whatever the reason, it is so ignorant to assume they are illegal.