Anti-gang crackdown ‘Operation Tidal Wave’ nabs 17 in Wilmington

A federal racketeering indictment unsealed Wednesday names more than two-dozen suspected members and associates of a Wilmington street gang allegedly linked to acts of murder, attempted murder, narcotics trafficking and a series of armed attacks on law enforcement officers dating back to 2008.

In addition to 17 people arrested over the last two days in a multi- agency investigation dubbed Operation Tidal Wave, 10 defendants allegedly connected to the Wilmas gang were already in custody on unrelated charges.

Authorities are continuing to search for two others, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

The gang “had a stronghold within the Wilmington area,” LAPD Lt. Chris Ramirez told Fox11. “(These arrests) will make a big impact, by reducing the street violence in the area.”

During the course of the investigation, officials seized nearly eight pounds of methamphetamine and 10 firearms, including one linked to a shooting.

“This federal indictment seeks to dismantle the leadership of the Wilmas street gang, a particularly violent street gang that regularly targets members of the community and law enforcement officers for murder,” said Eileen M. Decker, the U.S. attorney in Los Angeles. “The devastating impact that this gang has had on the community cannot be overstated.”

Prosecutors said the Wilmas gang has operated in the Wilmington area of Los Angeles since the 1950s and is affiliated with the Mexican Mafia, whose members issue orders to kill rivals and members of law enforcement.

The Wilmas gang is “a racist organization and has been historically antagonistic to the presence of African-Americans in Wilmas gang territory,” the indictment states.”Wilmas gang members have frequently targeted African- Americans who enter or attempt to reside within the area claimed by the Wilmas gang.”

The 111-page federal indictment filed in Los Angeles outlines a criminal enterprise that controls the drug trade in Wilmington, collects “taxes” from drug dealers for the benefit of Mexican Mafia members, maintains a supply of often-illegal firearms, and takes retribution against people who may be cooperating with law enforcement.

Wilmas gang members murdered two 16-year-old victims on Feb. 26, 2012, according to the indictment.

The 31-count indictment alleges numerous criminal offenses, including murder, distribution of methamphetamine, extortion and witness tampering; violent crimes in aid of racketeering, conspiracy to trafficking narcotics, and possession with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. One defendant is accused of being a felon in possession of a shotgun.

If convicted of all charges, most of the defendants face sentences of between 10 years and life in federal prison, prosecutors noted.

–City News Service