13 Arrested During Citywide Gang Sweep

A 45-year-old Simi Valley man, who police say allowed his house to deteriorate to a point “unfit for human habitation,” was one of 13 people taken into custody Thursday in a citywide gang sweep, authorities said.

The early morning raid of 10 locations in Simi Valley resulted in the detention of eight males and two females by Border Patrol agents for suspicion of violating federal immigration laws. Two are active gang members, Police Chief Randy Adams said.

In addition, a 17-year-old female gang member was arrested on a petty theft warrant. The teen, who was not identified because of her age, was booked into juvenile hall.

Juan Carlos Alvarenga, 20, of Simi Valley, was arrested after police allegedly found him in possession of property that had the serial numbers defaced or removed, Adams said. Police say Alvarenga is also a gang member.

Among the places raided by police was the home of 45-year-old Richard Chiodo at 3270 Hilldale Ave. He was taken into custody after police found stolen property at the residence, according to Adams.

Authorities say Chiodo’s house was found to be “unsafe for human habitation due to numerous health, safety and building code deficiencies.” City building and safety officials say the house is a “substandard structure,” Adams said.

During the sweep, citations involving 12 municipal code violations were issued to two other unidentified people. Adams said the violations involved illegally subdividing living quarters, unsafe wiring and plumbing, and the unlawful keeping of farm animals.