VISALIA – On September 7, 2017, two brothers from Lindsay, were handed lengthy sentences for gang crimes related to 2015’s Operation Red Sol gang sweep. Operation Red Sol was a large-scale wiretap operation conducted by California Department of Justice special agents and local law enforcement agencies. The operation targeted the Tulare County Norteno criminal street gang.
Cervando Avalos, 31, was sentenced to 28 years to life for:
- conspiracy to commit home invasion robbery,
- attempted home invasion robbery,
- 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 included - crimes committed for the benefit of a criminal street gang and use of a firearm.
Emanuel Avalos, 27, was sentenced to 110 years and 8 months to life for:
- 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 included - crimes committed for the benefit of a criminal street gang and use of a firearm.
The conspiracies to commit murder were against a Strathmore business owner, rival gang members, and a dropout gang member.
“This investigation by California Department of Justice special agents and Tulare County law enforcement agencies involved violent criminals,” said California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) President Alan Barcelona. “These law enforcement officers face great danger investigating cases like this. Ridding communities of violent gang members greatly contributes to the safety of our streets, neighborhoods and the state of California.”
