Federal Grand Jury Charges Florencia 13 Gang Members with Fentanyl Trafficking and Murder
LOS ANGELES – Federal and local law enforcement officials have unsealed indictments from a grand jury against 37 members and associates of the South Los Angeles-based Florencia 13 (F13) street gang. These indictments mark a significant move to dismantle the gang’s criminal operations. The charges include fentanyl trafficking, extortion, and three murders, one of which involved a brutal beating death outside a local bar.
The operation led to the arrests of 23 F13 members and associates, who will be arraigned in the United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles. Six of the defendants were already in state or federal custody. Authorities are still searching for eight others, who are believed to be fugitives in Mexico.
Seized Contraband
Law enforcement seized a significant amount of contraband during the investigation, including:
- 21 pounds of methamphetamine
- 9 pounds of fentanyl
- 6.5 pounds of heroin
- 25 firearms
- Approximately $70,000 in cash
Federal Charges: Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act
Defendants: 19 individuals, including Celerino Jaramillo (a.k.a. “Bizzy”), a 30-year-old “shot caller” from South Los Angeles, and Jonathan Reyes (a.k.a. “Creeper”).
Charges: Conspiracy to violate the RICO Act, encompassing a series of racketeering activities such as murder, extortion, drug trafficking, and illegal firearm possession.
Key Incidents:
- October 17, 2022: Jonathan Reyes and other F13 members allegedly beat a victim to death outside a bar in the Florence-Firestone neighborhood. The victim was repeatedly stomped, kicked, punched, and struck with a baseball bat.
- June 19, 2023: Jaramillo and Oscar Hernandez (a.k.a. “Drex”) allegedly murdered F13 member “R.A.” for violating gang
- Florencia 13 members charged
- rules. The following day, Jaramillo purportedly endorsed Hernandez’s induction into F13’s Jokers clique for proving himself.
- July 2023: Jaramillo and Hugo Armando Pineda (a.k.a. “Menace”) allegedly murdered another F13 member, “D.E.,” who was in bad standing.
Drug-Related Crimes
Eight associates, including Saul Ayon Quintero, are charged with conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, methamphetamine, and heroin. They also face charges for the illegal possession of firearms and ammunition. Additionally, nine members are charged in eight separate indictments for distributing methamphetamine, possessing unregistered firearms, and being felons in possession of firearms and ammunition.
Legal Context and Potential Penalties
The charges against the Florencia 13 members are severe and stem from several federal laws designed to combat organized crime and related activities. The Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act targets organized crime by enabling the prosecution of individuals involved in ongoing criminal enterprises. Violations of the RICO Act can result in up to 20 years in prison for each count, with additional penalties if the crimes involve murder.
Drug trafficking charges, based on laws such as 21 U.S.C. §§ 841 and 846, involve the distribution and trafficking of controlled substances like fentanyl, methamphetamine, and heroin. Convictions for these charges can result in sentences ranging from a minimum of 10 years to life imprisonment, depending on the drug quantities and types involved.
Firearms violations under 18 U.S.C. §§ 922 and 924 pertain to the illegal possession, use, and trafficking of firearms. These charges carry penalties of up to 10 years in prison, with enhanced penalties if the firearms were used in connection with drug trafficking or violent crimes.
An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.
