A dozen alleged members and associates of a street gang that prosecutors say controls open-air drug sales in the MacArthur Park area of Los Angeles were arrested Thursday on federal charges alleging the murder of a dealer who refused to pay the gang’s extortion “taxes.”
During the investigation of what’s considered Los Angeles’ largest street gang, federal and local law enforcement seized more than 175 pounds of methamphetamine and fentanyl. In Thursday’s takedown, authorities confiscated nearly $80,000 in cash, 10 pounds of fentanyl, five pounds of methamphetamine and six firearms, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
The main indictment charges seven apparent gang participants with a single count of racketeering conspiracy, alleging drug dealers attempt to blend in with the park’s large homeless population by operating out of tents that ring the area.
Prosecutors say the Mexican Mafia-affiliated gang seeks control through intimidation and threats of violence against rivals and others, deals in fentanyl and methamphetamine, operates illegal gambling establishments (called casitas) and collects extortion payments from anyone wishing to deal in the park or on Skid Row.
Court papers contend that from at least July 2020 to March 2026, Keiko Marie Gonzalez, 59 — also known as “Moms” and “La Señora” — acted as the second in command and street boss of the gang under an imprisoned Mexican Mafia member who maintains ultimate control.
Gonzalez had decision-making authority, oversaw the gang’s criminal activity, disciplined members, collected “taxes” and fines from members and associates, and ordered murders of rivals and colleagues, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
For example, on July 27, 2022, federal prosecutors allege, Gonzalez ordered the murder of a woman who failed to pay the gang’s drug trafficking tax. Identified in the indictment as “M.Z.,” the victim was shot to death.
Those charged in relation to the murder include George Carillo, 60, and 48-year-old Carlos Beltran — not the Hall of Fame baseball player — according to the indictment.
If convicted, Carillo and Beltran would face a mandatory life sentence, and Gonzalez would face up to life in federal prison, prosecutors said.
Law enforcement is looking for six fugitives, including one thought to be in Mexico and another in Guatemala.
“For far too long, (gang members) and other criminals have been allowed to turn one of the city’s most beautiful public spaces into a crime-infested pit,” First Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said Thursday.
“That ends today. We are committed to eliminating violent organized crime and open-air drug markets from Los Angeles.”