LOS ANGELES, CA, (LAI) – A La Verne woman, Kelly Deshannon, aged 42, has been sentenced to 85 months in federal prison today for her involvement in criminal activities on behalf of an imprisoned Mexican Mafia leader. The sentencing, carried out by U.S. District Judge George H. Wu in downtown Los Angeles, comes after Deshannon’s conviction on charges related to conspiracy, violent crimes, and firearms offenses.
Following a five-day trial in July, a federal jury found Deshannon guilty of one count of conspiracy under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, one count of committing a violent crime in aid of racketeering (VICAR), and one count of using a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime. These charges stem from her role as a so-called secretary to Seferino Gonzalez, a key figure within the Mexican Mafia who directed operations from prison, including drug trafficking and violent crimes within Pomona, California.
Prosecutors detailed Deshannon’s activities, which included facilitating an armed robbery attempt that resulted in a shooting and the victim’s injury, though they survived. On the evening of the incident, Deshannon was accused of escorting the gunman and other defendants to the scene. Her criminal involvement extended beyond this event, encompassing the brokering of drug transactions and the collection of “taxes” for Gonzalez’s faction within the area.