Alleged Mexican Mafia Members Enter Pleas
Eight alleged members of the San Diego County Mexican Mafia prison gang pleaded not guilty to charges of drug manufacturing, extortion, kidnapping and murder.
The three women and five men, who appeared in court Monday, were the first of 35 gang members and associates charged in a 52-count indictment.
Entering their pleas were Sergio Pulido Perez, 47; Leonard Parmer, 19; Denise Ortega, 27; Pamela Thompson, 39; Jaime Lopez Jr., 27; Julio Contreras, 24; Arthur Genaro Torres, 46; and Christina Montano, 24.
The Mexican Mafia operated locally in Chula Vista, National City and San Diego, authorities said.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
