We would drive through and they would move to the side of the street or they would just take off running. Police stepped up surveillance and started pulling over gang members for traffic violations, making arrests for warrants and drug possession. Before long, a pattern of criminal activity emerged. As soon as they buy it, a group of guys would jump them, beat them up, take their money and take the dope back. Stephenson says police suspected LCM members were responsible for the thefts and assaults.
Few people are willing to talk to police.
Relying on interviews of crime victims, tips from rival gang members and even some inside information from LCM members, police confirmed that Medina and his LCM pals were involved. We learned that a couple of Mexican nationals were connected to the drug trade and bringing dope into the neighborhood. The investigation picked up steam late last year as evidence mounted of a major drug operation generating significant cash flow. By March, police had enough evidence to obtain an arrest warrant for Medina on charges of armed robbery, aggravated assault, kidnaping and weapons possession. RICO statutes require police to show that crimes were committed to benefit a syndicate.