A dozen alleged members and associates of a notorious Los Angeles street gang were arrested in a sweeping federal takedown Thursday, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California announced.
Authorities say the suspects are tied to 18th Street, the city’s largest street gang, which evaded law enforcement by using tents to blend in with the homeless population. Investigators allege the group trafficked drugs across Los Angeles, operating mainly in MacArthur Park and Skid Row.
“A total of seven federal indictments charge members of this gang,” Bill Essayli, the first assistant U.S. attorney for the Central District of California, said. “18th Street has harmed MacArthur Park residents and turned the park into a crime-infested area full of drug addicts and the criminals who enable them.”…