Major Gang Operation Nets 31 Arrests Including 11 Individuals Charged with Murder
Photo: weapons seized
CONCORD — Thirty-one individuals were arrested during a major law enforcement operation, including 11 suspects for murders committed in Contra Costa County. These arrests are the culmination of investigations spearheaded by the Concord Police Department, involving 31 law enforcement agencies.
A central focus was Sureños Gang activity along Monument Boulevard in Concord. Details of the operation were disclosed September 15 in press releases from Concord PD and the Contra Costa County District Attorney’s Office.
More than 30 search warrants were executed on September 9 in Contra Costa, Solano and Sonoma counties. Nine of these searches were conducted within Concord.
Among other crimes, the investigation concerned three murders committed in Concord and one murder committed in Antioch. These were cold-case homicides committed during 2014 and 2015.
More than 70 firearms and ammunition were recovered, including a machine gun and an AK-47 with a 100-round drum. Approximately 10 pounds of methamphetamine, 400 grams of heroin, 2,500 grams of cocaine and 900 fentanyl pills were also recovered.
The suspects arrested face state and/or federal charges for murder, attempted murder, illegal weapons, narcotics, and criminal conspiracy. These include 11 identified murder suspects presently charged in Contra Costa County:
- Michael Valdez
- Andrew Cervantes
- Daniel Rodriguez
- Rafael Lopez
- Juan Barocio Jr.
- Jose Cisneros
- Marcos Ochoa
- Luis Cruz
- Aurelia Mendez
- Antonio Mendez
- Jose Ochoa
Criminal investigations resulting from this operation are ongoing involving the FBI and numerous other agencies. The 11 suspects charged thus far remain in custody in Contra Costa County.
