SACRAMENTO – On August 8, 2019, U.S. Attorney McGregor W. Scott announced the recipients of the 2018 Eastern District of California Law Enforcement Awards. These awards are presented annually to law enforcement agencies and investigators in the District’s Sacramento and Fresno divisions to recognize outstanding collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement in addressing public safety issues in this region.

Scott awarded the California Department of Justice’s Special Operations Unit – Central California Team with the 2018 Eastern District of California Law Enforcement Award for Outstanding Law Enforcement Agency in the Fresno Division. The Special Operations Unit received the award for its role in an investigation that dismantled the violent MS-13 gang in Mendota. This violent gang had terrorized the small town resulting in at least 14 murders. Due to the multi-agency enforcement operation, more than 40 individuals were arrested on state and federal charges. The operation reflected the incredible teamwork between federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, and the shared commitment to keeping communities safe from violent criminal gangs.

“Congratulations to the team of special agents recognized for their outstanding work in helping to protect Mendota and surrounding communities form violent gang members,” said California Statewide Law Enforcement Association (CSLEA) President Alan Barcelona.  “California DOJ special agents and their law enforcement partners in this operation investigated and confronted very violent individuals in order to protect innocent families trying to go about their lives safely.”

U.S. Attorney Scott stated: “Congratulations to all of our award recipients on being chosen and for their efforts to address violent crime and violent gangs. The residents of the Eastern District of California owe a debt of gratitude to these agencies and detectives who persist in intensive, long-term investigations until the desired result is achieved. It is a privilege for our office to work alongside them to keep our communities safe.”

The Outstanding Law Enforcement Agency Award is presented to a local or state law enforcement agency that has demonstrated outstanding professionalism, commitment to public safety partnerships, and strong support for the U.S. Attorney’s Office’s initiatives.