'Big Hazard' gang members targeted by feds in East Los Angeles sweep

DOWNTOWN LOS ANGLEES (KABC) -- Hundreds of law enforcement officers raided East Los Angeles homes on Wednesday, searching for gang members with ties to the Mexican Mafia who were indicted on federal racketeering charges.

The indictment names dozens of suspected members of the Big Hazard gang who are accused of crimes including drug dealing, robbery and murder.

"With sales of methamphetamine, PCP, crack cocaine and other narcotics, the gangs were able to generate revenues some of which was then funneled back to the Mexican Mafia," said U.S. attorney Stephanie Yonekura.

Authorities say this gang has direct ties to the Mexican Mafia, and most of them have lengthy, violent criminal pasts.

More than 20 people were taken into custody. Others remain at large as fugitives.

Those in custody could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted of racketeering, while a number of them could face life in prison, officials say.

Big Hazard is an established street gang that has been around for 50 years. They're based in Boyle Heights, primarily in the Ramona Gardens housing project and surrounding area.

"This street gang has been responsible for a lot of death and carnage over the years," said LAPD Dep. Chief Kirk Albanese.

The lead defendant in the indictment is Manuel "Cricket" Jackson, who was taken into custody. Officials say he is a member of the Mexican Mafia, which controls gangs in prisons and all over Southern California.

Approximately 800 federal and local members of law enforcement were involved in the sweep, according to the Department of Justice.

Agents with the FBI, LAPD, ATF and the IRS executed at least three dozen search warrants connected to the indictment. Investigators seized dozens of weapons during the searches.

Authorities said the sweep was months in the making. But officials admit the gang is still in business, despite the arrests.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.