California Department of Justice Announces 13 Arrests in Sacramento-Area Burglary Ring

Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov

SACRAMENTO – The California Department of Justice announced today that a multi-agency investigation targeting a Sacramento-area burglary ring netted the arrests of more than a dozen gang members, as well as the seizure of assault rifles, handguns and narcotics.

The operation, code-named “Red Bandits,” involved the collaboration of a Department of Justice task force – the Yolo Narcotic Enforcement Team (YONET) – and the West Sacramento Police Department.

Operation Red Bandits targeted a burglary ring made up of Norteno gang members, who committed more than 80 home burglaries and 51 vehicle burglaries in the Sacramento region beginning in December 2012 – along with other violent crimes, including car jackings and shootings. 

Law enforcement from nearly a dozen local, state and federal agencies served 12 state search warrants today in an attempt to recover stolen property.  In total, 13 individuals were arrested and booked into the Yolo County Jail and juvenile hall.  Police also seized three assault rifles, four handguns, (several of which were stolen), two active honey oil labs, five pounds of marijuana, 1/4 pound methamphetamine, ammunition and body armor.  In three of the locations, children were removed by Child Protective Services (CPS) due to their access and proximity to firearms and drugs. 

The individuals arrested today face multiple felony charges related to the possession, sale and distribution of narcotics, as well as conspiracy and other property and violent crimes. Many have prior arrests for firearms-related charges. 

YONET and the West Sacramento Police Department were assisted in today’s search warrants by two of Attorney General Kamala D. Harris’ task forces – the Placer Special Investigations Unit and the Mountain and Valley Marijuana Investigation Team (MAVMIT) – as well as the following agencies:  the California Highway Patrol SWAT and High Risk Warrant Entry Team, the Davis Police Department SWAT, FBI SAFE Streets Task Force, West Sacramento Police Department SWAT, Woodland Police Department SWAT, Yolo County Sheriff’s Department SWAT, Yolo County District Attorney’s Office and the Yolo County Gang Task Force.  

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