Jailed Mexican Mafia Suspects Indicted on New Drug Charges

Although the reputed leaders of the Mexican Mafia have been locked up in maximum security cells on federal racketeering charges for months, a new indictment alleges that some of them are continuing to direct drug trafficking among Southern California’s Latino street gangs.

Twenty-two suspected leaders and associates of the prison gang--ranging from its reputed godfather to its street enforcers--were indicted in April on charges of using murder, extortion and other violent crimes to control drug dealing among hundreds of street gangs in Southern California.

Now, 18 of those defendants are scheduled to be arraigned today on additional federal charges that they engaged in a “pattern of racketeering activity” during a period that includes their time behind bars at the Metropolitan Detention Center. The defendants--who pleaded not guilty to the earlier charges--are expected to enter pleas today in response to the new indictment.

The 31-count document, filed Oct. 31, does not cite specific crimes directed from behind bars. However, according to law enforcement authorities, several defendants have allegedly ordered associates to collect drug “taxes” from street gang members during phone conversations and by passing messages through third parties.

In one of those incidents, the sources say, a reputed longtime Mexican Mafia member and two associates shot at Baldwin Park gang members who had failed to pay the syndicate. The suspected mafia member, Donaldo (Stony) Gelez, 46, is charged with attempted murder in connection with the Sept. 14 shooting, said Deputy Dist. Atty. Tom Falls.

Correctional officials who monitor the prison gang say it is not surprising that its leaders would direct drug trafficking while awaiting trial.

“They have nothing to lose,” said one official. “It’s just business as usual.”

Formed behind bars in the late 1950s, the Mexican Mafia for years has controlled drug dealing, gambling and prostitution in the California penal system. Realizing the moneymaking potential of organizing thousands of gang members, authorities say, the group has attempted to flex its muscle on the streets.

At today’s hearing a judge will also consider a Nov. 8 motion by defense attorneys requesting that the government turn over key evidence such as police reports and the identity of informants and expert witnesses. The motion also accuses the government of ordering Los Angeles police officers to question and detain Latino males who attended a pretrial hearing Sept. 7.