On Wednesday, the U.S. Department of Justice declared that they had arrested four men who were involved in a string of armed carjackings in Los Angeles County. This crime spree lasted for three weeks and the arrests were made in connection with it.
According to a press release from federal officials, a group of young men, ranging from 19 to 23 years old, engaged in a series of carjackings, resulting in the theft of five vehicles and two televisions. The incidents occurred between November 15 and December 9 of last year, during which the suspects held up victims at gunpoint and stole their vehicles in Downey, Pico Rivera, Norwalk, and Whittier.
According to the DOJ, two of the men went further and stole two large-screen TVs from a Walmart in South Gate. They also threatened an employee during the incident.
RELATED STORIES
Here are the individuals who were identified as the defendants:
-
- Michael Anthony Fisher, 23, a.k.a. “Ghost,” of Bell;
- Sergio Macias, 22, a.k.a. “Checho,” of South Los Angeles;
- Andres Silva Cerrillos, 19, a.k.a. “Ruler,” of Buena Park; and
- Jesse Gutierrez, 19, a.k.a. “Lotto,” of Los Angeles.
In a statement, U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada expressed that violent gun crime causes immense damage to our community and inflicts lasting trauma on its victims. He emphasized the determination of his office to utilize the powerful federal laws to prosecute those who recklessly endanger the lives of others. The recent arrests and subsequent indictment serve as a testament to this commitment.
If found guilty, the suspects could be sentenced to a maximum of 25 years in prison.
