FRESNO — Twenty-eight people with suspected involvement in a Fresno gang connected to crimes of conspiracy to commit murder, human trafficking and fraud have been arrested after an investigation conducted by California Department of Justice’s Bureau of Investigation Special Operations Unit (SOU) and the Fresno Police Department.
The investigation, Operation Dog Track, found that the Fresno Dog Pound Gangsters have transported human trafficking victims across state lines, primarily victimizing women to generate income that funds other criminal activities.
According to the affidavit, the Fresno Dog Pound Gangsters have also been involved in violent crimes, credit card fraud, and bank fraud. Several violent assaults, murders, and shootings were solved or circumvented as a result of this investigation.
“The California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) applauds the work of DOJ special agents and the difference their work makes in communities that have been impacted by gangs, drugs, and criminal activity,” said CSLEA President Alan Barcelona. “We fought hard for additional resources to the DOJ Bureau of Investigation’s SOU teams in 2014, pushing for $9.4 million dollars. I think that investment is paying off.”
“Street gangs must be held accountable for terrorizing our communities,” said Attorney General Kamala D. Harris. “I’m thankful for the bravery and diligence of our Special Agents, the Fresno Police Department, and the other local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies working together to dismantle criminal organizations and protect victims of trafficking and fraud throughout the Central Valley.”
“The dismantling of the Dog Pound Gang’s leadership will send a shockwave throughout the gang community and significantly reduce gang violence in Fresno for many years,” said Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer.
The Special Operations Unit (SOU) is a collaborative investigative effort between the California Department of Justice and the California Highway Patrol (CHP) that provides statewide enforcement for combating violent career criminals, gangs, and organized crime groups, along with intrastate drug traffickers.
Since 2012, the California Department of Justice’s Bureau of Investigation SOU has arrested 551 individuals and seized more than one million dollars in cash, 20 pounds of heroin, 64 pounds of methamphetamine, 145 pounds of marijuana, 13 pounds of cocaine, and over 400 weapons.
