Protesters Demand Freedom for Gang-Truce Activist : Courts: They say severity of drug-related charges against Art L. Roma stems from his leadership on streets.

About a dozen protesters marched outside the federal courthouse Wednesday demanding the freedom of former street gang leader Art L. Roma, who is on trial on narcotics and money laundering charges.

Roma, 31, is noted for his efforts to forge a truce among Orange County’s gangs. He was arrested by federal drug agents in September, 1992, at the close of a major investigation of an international money laundering operation.

But the protesters who gathered in front of the U.S. District Court building Wednesday said Roma played a minor role in the sprawling case, acting only as a one-time courier delivering a package he did not know contained $60,000.

They waved placards reading “Free Art” and “Stop the Drive-bys.” The demonstrators said they believe the severity of the charges against Roma stems from his activism on the streets.

“He knows he made a mistake and he’s willing to pay for his crime, but these charges are ridiculous,” said Leticia Rivera, Romo’s companion. “It’s political. They see him as a threat because of his influence.”

The prosecutor, Thomas P. Sleisenger, declined to comment about the ongoing trial, which began Nov. 9 and may finish by the end of the month.

Romo is on trial with six other co-defendants. All were arrested during “Operation Green Ice,” an undercover operation involving police in six countries. Rivera said attorneys have told her that Roma could face more than 15 years in prison if he is convicted of the three felony charges he faces.

Roma was among five former gang leaders who founded the United Gangs Council in 1992 and authored a shaky, but often praised, peace treaty among the county’s gangs.

“The shootings, the drive-bys, they decreased after the truce was forged,” Mike Roma, the defendant’s brother, said Wednesday. “No one can deny that. When that happened all the politicians wanted to know Art, but now they turn their back on him.”