Massive Law Enforcement Operation Nets 12 Arrests in Coachella Valley
“On Wednesday, June 12, 2024, the Coachella Valley Violent Crime Gang Task Force (CVVCGTF) served multiple search warrants throughout the Thermal, Mecca, and Oasis communities. Additionally, several probation and parole compliance checks were conducted on the same day in an effort to subdue unwanted criminal behavior within these areas.
This was completed with the assistance of the following departments and teams: The Riverside County Gang Task Force, Regions 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 7, La Quinta Special Enforcement Team, Coachella Community Action Team, Southern Coachella Valley Community Service District Team, Palm Desert Special Enforcement Team and Business District Team, Indian Wells Special Enforcement Team, Rancho Mirage Special Enforcement Team, Moreno Valley Special Enforcement Team, Riverside County Special Enforcement Bureau, Riverside County Special Investigation Bureau, California Highway Patrol K9 Border Division, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and the Indio Police Department.
During the search warrants and compliance checks, five firearms were recovered that were illegally possessed, and the 12 individuals listed below were arrested for various weapon-related charges, violation of their probation or parole terms, and outstanding arrest warrants and booked into the John Benoit Detention Center.
John MacKnight, 34-year-old of Thermal
Francisco Mulato, 31-year-old of North Shore
Christian Mulato, 23-year-old of North Shore
Carlos Monreal, 28-year-old of Thermal
Luis Sotelo, 40-year-old of Mecca
Jaime Gudino, 49-year-old of Mecca
Scoty Lewis, 52-year-old of Mecca
Ricardo Miranda, 35-year-old of Thermal
Juan Huaracha, 26-year-old of Mecca
Gregorio Chaidez, 65-year-old of Thermal
Victor Lopez, 44-year-old of Thermal
Luis Centeno, of Mecca
The Coachella Valley Violent Crime Gang Task Force is committed to creating safe and secure neighborhoods free of violent crime and gang activity. This investigation is ongoing. If you have any information about this crime, please contact Gang Task Force Commander James at (760) 836–1600. If you have non-emergency information regarding gang activity, please use our online Gang Task Force Tip Form or call 951–922–7601. If you have information regarding criminal activity and wish to be anonymous, please call Valley Crimestoppers at (760)341–7867.
For media inquiries regarding this incident, please contact the Media Information Bureau.”
