MARTINEZ –  On November 13, 2017 the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of nine suspects following a months-long investigation into a gang in East Contra Costa County.  Law enforcement officers on the local, state and federal level investigating the illegal transfer of firearms executed eight search warrants in Pittsburg, Antioch, and Bay Point.

The investigation was led by CASE (Contra Costa County Anti-Violence Support Effort). During the operation, CASE was assisted by special agents from the California Department of Justice (Bureau of Firearms), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Marshals, Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff, California Highway Patrol, Pittsburg Police Department, Walnut Creek Police Department, Richmond Police Department and Probation Officers from the Contra Costa County Probation Department.

The nine suspects arrested are being held on numerous charges that include conspiracy, gang and narcotics violations, and weapons’ charges including felon in possession of a firearm, possession of an assault rifle, prohibited person in possession of a firearm, and illegal transfer of a firearm.

During searches of the locations, law enforcement officers seized one AK-47 style assault rifle, three handguns, high capacity magazines, cocaine, marijuana, and pills.

“Anytime you can remove dangerous individuals from communities and seize their firearms and illegal drugs, you are working to make neighborhoods safer,” said California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) President Alan Barcelona.  “I thank the brave law enforcement teams, including the DOJ special agents, for targeting those who pose a threat to all of us with their criminal acts.”