SAN BERNARDINO – More arrests are expected soon, after eleven alleged gang members were taken into custody during a sweep made last month.
A multiple agency investigation resulted in the arrest of members of the so-called “Noe Luv Gangster Crips” in San Bernardino, along with neighboring cities Rialto and Fontana, on Thursday, July 23.
Dubbed a criminal street gang conspiracy, the four-month investigation included members of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Gang Intelligence Team and an FBI Gang Task Force, among others, that have been investigating illicit activities of the Noe Luv Gangster Crips.
Sgt. Robert Kelly said, “For the past several years, members and associates of this particular gang have been known for their violent nature towards gang members from other criminal street gangs.” Kelly said the gangs were based around the Inland Empire, centered mostly in the San Bernardino area.
Based on several gang-related shootings that have occurred at various locations throughout San Bernardino County, he said, “some [are shootings] in which innocent civilians also have been victimized.” Surveillance operations helped gather evidence to establish the gang’s criminal conduct, said Kelly.
Arrested were Rahshun Turner, 30, of Rialto; Dewitt Johnson, 55; Fox Burroughs, 30, of Rialto; Mark Tibbs, 33, of Rialto; and San Bernardino residents Lancaster Alexander, 21, Sobriety Jackson, 20, Sharhonda Jackson, 24, Thomonte Rander, 29, Markyse Tuggle, 23, Liza Flores, 27, and David Blakely, 30.
Members of the gang have appeared in court this week, according to officials.
On Thursday, July 23, investigators, deputies and officers from the county sheriff’s office, San Bernardino Police, county probation, California Highway Patrol, Rialto Police and the FBI served 10 search warrants at various locations throughout the county. Kelly said 22 firearms were confiscated, along with six ounces of cocaine, while the 11 alleged gang members were taken into custody. Charges include criminal street gang conspiracy, attempted kidnapping, assault, human trafficking/pimping, prostitution, plus additional weapons and narcotics violations.
Kelly said the investigation served to represent law enforcement cooperation within the county, “plus their commitment to the relentless pursuit of those who engage in criminal street gang activities.” More warrants could be served in the future while investigations continue, he said.
