VISALIA – On July 27, 2017, a Tulare County jury convicted brothers Cervando Avalos, 31, and Emanuel Avalos, 27, both of Lindsay, of numerous gang crimes including conspiracy to commit murder. The brothers were arrested as part of Operation Red Sol, an October 2015 Norteno gang sweep conducted by California Department of Justice special agents and the Tulare County Sheriff’s Office.
“Gang members terrorize neighborhoods and communities, and destroy the quality of life parents seek for their children,” said California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) President Alan Barcelona. “Investigations like Operation Red Sol can be very dangerous for law enforcement officers, they are most definitely in harm’s when investigating and arresting these violent individuals.”
Cervando Avalos was convicted of:
- conspiracy to commit home invasion robbery,
- attempted home invasion robbery,
- two counts of conspiracy to commit grand theft of marijuana,
- grand theft of marijuana,
- conspiracy to possess and transport cocaine for sale,
- and possession of cocaine for sale.
Special allegations were also found true that the crimes were committed for the benefit of a criminal street gang and that a firearm was used. Cervando Avalos faces a possible 42 years to life in prison at sentencing.
Emanuel Avalos was convicted of:
- conspiracy to receive a stolen vehicle,
- extortion,
- conspiracy to commit home invasion robbery,
- attempted home invasion robbery,
- three counts of conspiracy to commit murder,
- attempted murder,
- possession of methamphetamine for sale,
- and possession of a stolen vehicle.
Special allegations were also found true that the crimes were committed for the benefit of a criminal street gang and that a firearm was used. Emanuel Avalos faces a possible 156 years to life in prison at sentencing.
In August and September of 2015, California Department of Justice special agents, along with local law enforcement officers, conducted a large-scale wiretap operation targeting the Tulare County Norteno criminal street gang. During that time, the Avalos brothers committed the crimes they were convicted for the benefit of the gang.
The conspiracies to commit murder were against a Strathmore business owner and rival gang members. Conspiracy to commit murder and the attempted murder of a dropout gang member also occurred during this time. Both brothers were considered high-ranking members at the time of their arrest on October 1, 2015.
“The Office of the District Attorney has been fully committed to seeking justice, and that commitment will not end until those charged in this case have been held accountable for the terror they brought upon our streets and our communities,” said District Attorney Tim Ward. “I commend the work of prosecutors, investigators, legal office staff, advocates, and our justice partners in staying the course.”
Over 50 of 81 charged in the case have been convicted of or have pleaded to a variety of conspiracy, robbery, drug, and weapons charges. Seven defendants were remanded in to federal custody for prosecution. In December of 2016, a criminal grand jury indicted 11 of the remaining defendants on numerous charges, including multiple murders.
The Avalos brothers are scheduled to be sentenced on August 24, 2017.
