Washington state cracks down on prison gang
By Terry Murry on Friday, April 19th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
YAKIMA – U. S. Attorney Vanessa Waldref says that 28 people are in state or federal custody following the return of six separate indictments alleging more than 24 charges against 34 individuals (some of whom were not yet in federal custody). The arrests follow a long-term joint federal and state investigation into La Nuestra Familia, a prison gang allegedly responsible for trafficking dangerous drugs.
The investigation was led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Waldref says the investigation even includes leaders of the gang who are housed in some of the Bureau of Prison’s most secure facilities, serving life sentences.
The probe began in 2018 and spanned multiple jurisdictions in Washington state including Walla Walla County, Yakima County, the Yakama Reservation, and Spokane County. It also extended into Louisiana, Colorado, and Arkansas. We are seeking specifics regarding the Walla Walla County portion of the action and will file a new story when we have that information.
There is a list of crimes in addition to distributing illegal drugs. It includes cockfighting, possession of illegal firearms, illegal use of the U.S. Mail, and attempts to kill those who assisted law enforcement in the investigation. Many of those charged are also alleged to have laundered the proceeds made from these ventures.
“More than 350 federal, state, local, and Tribal law enforcement came together to coordinate the takedown of this alleged drug trafficking operation,” Waldref said.
During the operation, agents seized an estimated 37 firearms, thousands of rounds of ammunition, pound quantities of cocaine and methamphetamine, and more than 8,000 fentanyl-laced pills. Additionally, the team seized more than $20,000 in cash and hundreds of roosters from locations in Zillah and Outlook. Many of the roosters, which were allegedly used in cockfights, are being placed in the care of Heartwood Haven Animal Rescue in Roy, Washington.
