FRESNO— On November 3, 2016, following a year-long investigation, 28 suspects were arrested in Fresno for various charges including conspiracy to traffic illegally in firearms, illegal possession and sales of firearms, drug trafficking, and promoting prostitution.  The suspects ranged in age from 21 to 60 years old.

“This is another example of the very effective law enforcement work that can be accomplished when local, state and federal agencies work together,” said Alan Barcelona, president of the California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA).  “CSLEA made a push at the State Capitol for funding for California Department of Justice Bureau of Investigation Special Operations Units and it is evident those teams are making great strides in cleaning up communities threatened by gangs and their criminal activity.”

A California Department of Justice Bureau of Investigation Special Operations Unit teamed with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Multi-Agency Gang Enforcement Consortium (MAGEC); and the Fresno Police Department, to investigate local criminal street gangs in Fresno. Twenty suspects were arrested on federal charges and eight were arrested on state charges.

“Gangs cannot be allowed to operate with impunity, jeopardizing public safety and terrorizing communities in California," said California Attorney General Kamala D. Harris. "I thank our California Department of Justice Special Agents, as well as the Fresno Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and the California Highway Patrol for working diligently and collaboratively to keep our communities safe from violent crime.”

“Firearms trafficking is one of the most pressing issues today,” stated ATF Special Agent in Charge Jill Snyder. “At ATF, our highest priority is reducing violent crime within our communities. Firearms trafficking leads to guns getting into the hands of violent criminals, gangs, drug trafficking organizations and prohibited people. Operations, like the one conducted today, make our neighbors safer by stopping the drivers of violence in our communities. We would like to thank all of the agencies involved in this operation for their hard work and dedication that made today a success.”

Those charged include:

• Dejohn Wiley, 22, one count of conspiracy to engage in the business of dealing firearms without a license, one count of engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license, two counts of possession of an unregistered firearm, 14 counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm, three counts of possession of a firearm in a school zone, and nine counts of distribution of methamphetamine;
• Chris Wiley, 24, one count of conspiracy to engage in the business of dealing firearms without a license, one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, one count of possession of a firearm in a school zone, and two counts of distribution of methamphetamine;
• Anthony Latimore, 21, one count of conspiracy to engage in the business of dealing firearms without a license, one count of engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license, four counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm, and one count of distribution of methamphetamine;
• Garry Sampson, 38, one count of conspiracy to engage in the business of dealing firearms without a license, one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm;
• Vonshay Robinson, 29, one count of conspiracy to engage in the business of dealing firearms without a license;
• Rashawn Alkobadi, 22, one count of conspiracy to engage in the business of dealing firearms without a license, one count of engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license, five counts of possession of a firearm in a school zone, and two counts of distribution of methamphetamine;
• Federico Garcia, 24, one count of conspiracy to engage in the business of dealing firearms without a license, possession of a firearm in a school zone, and two counts of distribution of methamphetamine.
• Omar Gonzalez, 24, one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine;
• Darien Hatcher, 26, one count of possession with intent to distribute cocaine;
• Charlie Stevenson, 31, one count of conspiracy to engage in the business of dealing firearms without a license, three counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm, and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine;
• Jamar Johnson, 21, one count of conspiracy to engage in the business of dealing firearms without a license, two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm, and one count of use of a cellphone to promote prostitution;
• Khalif Campbell, 33, one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine base;
• Raymond Jones, 60, one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine base;
• Danny Valenzuela, 50, one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine base;
• Anthony Thomas, 24, one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm;
• Devone Johnson, 30, one count of possession of a firearm after suffering a misdemeanor domestic violence conviction;
• Dione Singleton, 39, one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, one count of possession of a firearm in a school zone, and one count of distribution of cocaine base.

The following federal defendants were arrested today on criminal complaints: Stephen Hill, 26, and Rashad Halford, 29, are charged with using a cellphone to promote prostitution and using a cellphone to facilitate a drug trafficking offense. Jesus Velazquez, 23, is charged with conspiracy to engage in the business of dealing firearms without a license and possession of an unregistered firearm. Darien Hatcher and Charlie Stevenson who were indicted have also been charged by a criminal complaint along with Robert Gonzalez, 33, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

If convicted the defendants face the following maximum sentences:

• five years in prison for conspiracy to engage in the business of dealing firearms without a license;
• five years in prison for engaging in the business of dealing firearms without a license;
• 10 years in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm;
• 10 years in prison for possession of a firearm after suffering a misdemeanor domestic violence conviction;
• five years in prison for possession of a firearm in a school zone;
• 10 years in prison for possession of an unregistered firearm;
• 20 years to life in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine;
• 20 years to life in prison for distribution of methamphetamine;
• 20 years in prison for distribution of cocaine base;
• 20 years in prison for conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine base;
• 20 years in prison for possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and five years in prison for use of a cellphone to promote prostitution.