Multi-Agency Investigation Targets Riverside-Area Gang

RIVERSIDE, Calif., Aug. 10, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On Wednesday, August 10, 2011, more than 200 federal, state, and local law enforcement officers served search and arrest warrants, and conducted parole searches at over 40 locations in Riverside and surrounding areas.  The operation targeted a violent street gang that for decades has plagued the east side community with violence and narcotics trafficking.

In 2010, the City of Riverside saw an increase in criminal activity by the 1200 Blocc Crips criminal street gang. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation Special Services Unit (CDCR-SSU), and the Riverside Police Department joined forces to initiate and complete a six month investigation targeting the criminal activities conducted by this gang.

The enforcement action targeted members and associates of the 1200 Blocc Crips street gang who are charged in federal and state court documents with a host of crimes, including acts of violence, firearms violations, and narcotics sales. Thirty-six state arrest warrants, nineteen state search warrants, and twenty-one probation and parole searches were executed this morning as a result of Operation Tampa Bay. In addition, two federal arrest warrants were served in conjunction with this investigation. Twenty defendants were located and taken into custody today on State and Federal charges, and on parole violations. Illegal drugs, eleven firearms, and ammunition were also seized in the course of today's enforcement activities.  

"ATF and its federal and local partners are dedicated to pursuing and combating those street gangs whose violent criminal activities threaten and severely detract from the welfare of our communities, and who continue to perpetuate a regrettable and dangerous cycle of narcotics sales, murder and retaliation," said John A. Torres, Special Agent in Charge ATF Los Angeles Field Division. "It is essential that federal law enforcement continue to work in conjunction with local agencies to ensure that these street gangs are eradicated and that their membership does not increase. Today we have demonstrated that this mission is serious and that with time and continued efforts it can be accomplished."

"Today's operation should serve as reassurance to our law-abiding community and a cause of worry for criminals in the city of Riverside.  The Riverside Police Department will continue to partner with our colleagues in the federal government to target and investigate gangs and individual criminals who victimize our communities," said Riverside Police Chief Sergio Diaz.  "We are particularly vigilant about keeping firearms out of the hands of gang members.  The RPD is very grateful to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, who have been outstanding partners in the fight against violent crimes."

"The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation-Special Service Unit (SSU) is pleased to have partnered with all of these agencies to deter the criminal activities of this Crip street gang in the Riverside area," said Senior Special Agent Daniel Evanilla CDCR SSU.

The following agencies participated in the takedown phase of this operation:  Corona Police Department Special Enforcement Team, Riverside County Special Enforcement Bureau, Riverside County Gang Task Force, RAID Task Force, San Bernardino Police Department, California Highway Patrol, Murrieta Police Department, Corona PD SWAT, Allied Riverside Cities Narcotics Enforcement Team, DOJ Bureau of Narcotics Enforcement Inland Crackdown Allied Task Force, DEA High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas, and ICE.

Criminal street gangs have terrorized the Riverside community and have a long and violent history dating back over 50 years.  The 1200 Blocc Crips are a black criminal street gang with approximately 147 members claiming the territory around 12th Street and Ottawa Ave in the city of Riverside.  The 1200 Blocc Crips remain at war with two Hispanic gangs, the Eastside Riva located primarily on the eastside and the Casa Blanca located off Madison and Highway 91, both in the City of Riverside.  As well as feuding with Hispanic gangs, the 1200 Blocc Crips also remain at war with Sex Cash, a black gang claiming territory in Moreno Valley.  Criminal activity by the 1200 Blocc Crips include drug sales, violent assaults, murder, robbery, weapon possession, prostitution, and intimidating the community.

CONTACT: Lieutenant Guy Toussaint
Phone: (951) 826-5902

SOURCE Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives