On Tuesday, federal and local officials declared that a federal grand jury has indicted many gang members who were involved in criminal activities and violence, which resulted in terrorizing the South Los Angeles community.
According to authorities, the “Florencia 13” street gang, which was active in the Florence-Firestone neighborhood spanning an area of 3 square miles, consisted of 37 individuals who were either members or associates. The gang has been charged with multiple criminal offenses, including drug trafficking, armed robbery, extortion, as well as at least three counts of murder and assault.
According to U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada, the gang’s name, which includes the number 13, indicates their connection to the Mexican Mafia, a formidable gang in the prison system.
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According to Estrada, while many of the members and leaders of the gang have been incarcerated, it cannot operate without the involvement of those on the outside. These individuals are responsible for carrying out orders to commit violent crimes and generating funds for the gang through illegal means such as extortion, robbery, and drug sales. The recent indictments aimed to target the gang’s leadership outside of the prison system, as they play a crucial role in the gang’s operations.
According to Estrada, a man was attacked outside a bar in the Florence-Firestone area in October 2020 by some of the gang members, resulting in his death after being beaten with a baseball bat.
In 2022, “Florencia 13” saw three of its members convicted for the murder of LAPD Officer Fernando Arroyos.
Out of the total 37 defendants, six are currently in prison, while 23 were taken into custody between Monday and Tuesday. Among them, eight are still at large, with some believed to be in Mexico.
According to Sheriff Robert Luna, who supervises the Florence-Firestone and other South LA areas, the gang members indicted have been frequently victimizing the very neighborhoods they profess to safeguard.
Luna, while emphasizing the consequences of getting involved with street gangs like Florence 13, urged young people to resist the temptation. According to him, those who are found guilty and sent to federal prison will spend numerous nights yearning to be with their loved ones, friends, and relishing in fun activities.
Luna advised against getting involved in it, emphasizing how it can negatively affect both your family and your life.
