Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
Federal authorities arrested 12 alleged members and associates of the 18th Street Gang on Thursday (March 5), saying the group ran a criminal network around MacArthur Park in Los Angeles that mixed drug trafficking, illegal gambling, extortion and violence.
Investigators say the operation functioned as both a drug market and an underground gambling hub linked to gang control in the neighborhood. The arrests stemmed from a sweeping federal investigation that resulted in seven grand jury indictments targeting people prosecutors believe played key roles in the gang’s activities.
Authorities describe 18th Street as the largest street gang operating in Los Angeles. Prosecutors filed charges including racketeering conspiracy and murder, accusing members of forcing the gang’s criminal endeavors through threats and violence.
According to investigators, MacArthur Park became a central base for these activities. Court documents say some gang members set up operations in tents in the park, mingling with the homeless population while selling drugs and coordinating other illegal businesses.
Authorities say the broader investigation uncovered large quantities of drugs moving through the network. In total, agents seized more than 175 pounds of methamphetamine and fentanyl during the case. On the day of the arrests, officers also found about $80,000 in cash, 10 pounds of fentanyl, five pounds of methamphetamine and six firearms.
Seven defendants from the Los Angeles area were named in the original racketeering indictment. They include Keiko Marie Gonzalez, 59, also known as « Moms, » « La Señora, » and « La Reina, » along with Edward Escalante, Edward Alvarenga, George Carrillo, Carlos Beltran, Felipe De Los Angeles, and Edwin Martinez.
Illegal gambling allegedly linked to gang operations on 18th Street
Federal prosecutors say the gang’s enterprise extends beyond drug sales and extortion. The indictment alleges that members also operated illegal gambling houses known as « casitas, » small underground gambling establishments that prosecutors say generated steady income for the organization.
Underground gambling operations have surfaced repeatedly in federal organized crime cases in recent years. In one previously reported case, a gang figure was sentenced to nine years in prison for running illegal gambling and extortion schemes. Authorities have also linked gambling circles to violence, including a widespread investigation involving a gambling ring allegedly linked to former NBA player Gilbert Arenas that later intersected with a murder case.
In the MacArthur Park case, prosecutors allege Gonzalez was the gang’s second-in-command and street boss. Court documents allege that from at least July 2020 to March 2026, she communicated directly with a member of the Mexican Mafia, identified as « Co-Conspirator 1, » who authorities say had ultimate authority over the gang while incarcerated in a California state prison.
Prosecutors say Gonzalez helped manage day-to-day criminal activity, disciplined gang members, collected payments and fines and ordered acts of violence. She is also accused of leading drug trafficking and other operations related to the group.
One murder described in the indictment was related to the gang’s alleged extortion system. Prosecutors say Gonzalez ordered the killing of a victim identified as « MZ » on July 27, 2022, after the victim failed to pay required taxes for trafficking drugs into the gang’s territory. Carrillo and Beltran are charged with the murder.
« For too long, 18th Street and other criminals have been allowed to turn one of the city’s most beautiful public spaces into a crime-ridden cesspool. That ends today, » said First Assistant United States Attorney Bill Esailly.
Robert Molvar, acting assistant director in charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles field office, said the case highlights the connection between organized gangs and drug distribution. « This investigation should send a message to members of the 18th Street Gang and their Mexican Mafia masters that we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to target those responsible for the distribution of illegal drugs that enrich the gang while they prey on and poison members of our community. »
Six more suspects remain at large. Authorities say one is believed to be in Mexico and another is believed to be in Guatemala.
Featured Image: First Assistant US Attorney Bill Esailly via X
Gambling,California,crime,illegal gambling
#MacArthur #Park #18th #Street #Arrests #crack #gambling #gangs
