SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. (October 30, 2023) – Sureños Gang Member Arrested in South Lake Tahoe. In a significant development in the ongoing efforts to combat gang activity and drug trafficking, a known Sureños gang member, Jose Medina, was arrested at 2573 CHRISS #B in South Lake Tahoe. This arrest follows a lengthy investigation into gang-related activities in the Lake Tahoe Basin, Northern Nevada, and Northern California, and is part of the continued operation known as “Operation Bear Trap.”
Operation Bear Trap: A Multi-Year Investigation
Operation Bear Trap, launched in 2020, aimed to address the growing problem of methamphetamine distribution in South Lake Tahoe and the surrounding regions. This extensive multi-year investigation was a collaborative effort involving several law enforcement agencies, including the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD), El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office (EDSO), El Dorado DA’s Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Douglas County Sheriff’s, and the Carson City Sheriff’s Office.
Impressive Results
To date, Operation Bear Trap has led to the arrest of 76 individuals in California and Nevada on state and federal charges related to drug and firearms trafficking. The operation targeted narcotics and illegal firearms sales in the Tahoe Basin, particularly through the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force (SSTF). One significant outcome of this operation was the identification and arrest of 29-year-old Jose Medina.
Medina’s Alleged Activities
According to SLTPD, Medina was allegedly involved in the sale of narcotics, firearms, and illegal gun parts to FBI Safe Streets investigators during the extensive investigation. Of particular concern were the illegal parts that can convert a semi-automatic firearm into an illegal fully automatic firearm, a dangerous addition to the already alarming activities of the Sureno gang.
Search and Arrest Warrant for Medina
In light of the evidence gathered during the investigation, a search warrant and arrest warrant were issued for Jose Medina and his residence in the 2500 block of Chris Avenue in the Sierra Tract/Tahoe Sierra neighborhood of South Lake Tahoe. Given the nature of the operation, the SLTPD Crisis Response Team was deployed to serve the warrants.
Medina’s Arrest
The arrest operation was carried out on Monday, October 30, 2023. Residents in the vicinity reported hearing unusual sounds and observed a significant police presence. Fortunately, the operation concluded without incident, as Medina surrendered to officers on the scene.
MEDINA, JOSE VASQUEZ
Age: 29
Sex: Male
Race: Hispanic
Height: 5′ 5″
Weight: 126
Hair: Black
Eyes: Brown
Booking Date: 10/30/2023 10:20
Arresting Agency: SLTPD
Arrest Date: 10/30/2023
Arrest Location:
2573 CHRISS #B
Seizures and Charges
During the search of Medina’s residence, several items of significance were recovered, including cocaine packaged for sale, an illegal short-barreled AR-15-style rifle, a Glock handgun equipped with an illegal 30-round magazine, and illegal parts designed to convert a semi-automatic firearm into a fully automatic firearm.
Jose Medina now faces a series of serious felony charges, which include:
- Prohibited person in possession of a firearm
- Prohibited person in possession of ammunition
- Sales of cocaine
- Sales of methamphetamine
- Possession and transport of machine guns
- Sales of machine guns
Medina is currently being held without bail at the El Dorado County Jail in South Lake Tahoe.
A Continuing Effort to Combat Gang Activity
Operation Bear Trap has made significant inroads in addressing gang-related issues and drug trafficking in the region. Jose Medina’s arrest marks the third arrest of a known Sureno gang member in South Lake Tahoe during the course of this operation.
This ongoing initiative underscores the commitment of law enforcement agencies to safeguard communities from the pernicious influence of gangs and the dangers posed by illegal drugs and firearms. The joint efforts of multiple agencies continue to make a positive impact on the safety and well-being of the region’s residents.
Background
Operation Bear Trap: Cracking Down on Meth and Firearms Trafficking in California and Nevada
The alarming flow of illegal firearms and drugs across state lines, particularly between California and Nevada, has raised serious concerns and prompted a multi-state, multi-agency effort known as “Operational Bear Trap.” This operation has led to a series of arrests and crackdowns on drug trafficking networks operating in the South Lake Tahoe area. Let’s delve into the details of this complex law enforcement initiative.
A Troubling Trend: Guns and Meth Crossing State Lines
In 2016, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) sounded the alarm by revealing that two-thirds of guns used in California crimes were traced back to Nevada or Arizona. This trend reached a terrible climax in 2019 when a 19-year-old mass shooter obtained his rifle from just over the Nevada border, leaving a tragic mark on the Gilroy Garlic Festival.
Operation Bear Trap Unleashed
Faced with this growing issue of methamphetamine distribution in the South Lake Tahoe region, a months-long operation was launched in spring 2020, aptly named “Operation Bear Trap.” The operation aimed to tackle the roots of this problem by targeting key individuals involved in the illegal trade of meth and firearms.
Uncovering the Network
The investigation gained momentum when an informant identified Robert “Bobby” Choate as a significant player in the meth trade around South Lake Tahoe. Several undercover purchases were made, ultimately leading authorities to a location in Carson City, Nevada. There, Choate introduced the informant to an unidentified individual selling AK-47s to California residents, as well as heroin.
The informant’s discussions with this individual revealed that he could source fully automatic AR-15 rifles without serial numbers, but he was cautious about bringing them into California due to the state’s strict assault weapon laws.
Undercover Operations and Arrests
Federal agents, South Lake Tahoe Police, and the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office continued their undercover purchases, targeting individuals selling guns, meth, and heroin. One of the prominent figures identified in the operation was 33-year-old Fabian Gomez, who casually referred to meth as “vanilla,” heroin as “chocolate,” and guns as “toys.”
Further investigations uncovered links to Sacramento, leading law enforcement to William Owen, who was associated with a jet ski rental business in Rio Linda. Owen was accused of collaborating with a woman to sell substantial quantities of meth at various locations, including Sacramento’s Home Depot on Howe Avenue and a gas station in Citrus Heights.
Arrests and Seizures
By June 2022, federal authorities had brought charges against six individuals involved in trafficking “ghost guns” and large quantities of methamphetamine from Nevada into South Lake Tahoe and numerous locations in Sacramento County. The operation resulted in multiple arrests and the seizure of methamphetamine, heroin, and various firearms, including “ghost” pistols and assault rifles. In a surprising twist, the operation also led to the recovery of a barn owl, a protected species under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
Cracking Down on the Network
By the middle of 2022, 36 individuals had been arrested in connection with Operation Bear Trap. These arrests were made on both state and federal charges related to drug and firearms trafficking. The success of this operation was attributed to the collaborative efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, South Lake Tahoe Police Department, El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office, and others.
A Comprehensive Approach
Operation Bear Trap is part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) operation, which takes a prosecutor-led, intelligence-driven, multi-agency approach to identify, disrupt, and dismantle high-level criminal organizations involved in drug trafficking. The operation is ongoing, and it reflects the dedication of law enforcement agencies to address the multifaceted challenges posed by drug and firearms trafficking in the region.
This concerted effort stands as a testament to the determination of law enforcement agencies to protect communities from the scourge of illegal drugs and firearms and to ensure the safety and well-being of residents in the affected areas.
Understanding the Sureño Gang
The term “Sureño” refers to a prominent and notorious street gang that has garnered notoriety in certain regions of the United States, particularly in California. To gain a better understanding of the Sureño gang and its complex dynamics, we delve into its history, origins, activities, and law enforcement efforts to combat its influence.
History and Origins
The Sureño gang, also known as Sur 13, has its roots in Southern California. Its name, “Sureño,” is derived from the Spanish word for “southern,” signifying its origins in the southern part of the state. The gang’s history can be traced back to the 1960s and 1970s when it emerged as a response to the influence of other street gangs, including the Nortenos, who were predominant in the northern regions of California.
Territorial Influence
Sureño gang members primarily operate in Southern California, but their influence has extended to other states and regions, including Nevada, Arizona, Texas, and beyond. The gang is known for its affiliation with the Mexican Mafia, also known as “La Eme,” a powerful and influential prison gang.
Symbols and Identifiers
Members of the Sureño gang often use specific symbols and identifiers to distinguish themselves. The number 13 is a prominent symbol, representing the 13th letter of the alphabet, “M,” which stands for “Mexican Mafia.” Other common identifiers include the color blue, specific tattoos, and hand signs.
Activities and Criminal Involvement
The Sureño gang is involved in a wide range of criminal activities, including drug trafficking, extortion, robbery, and violent crimes. Their rivalry with the Nortenos, a northern California-based gang, has fueled a violent and ongoing conflict known as the “Norte-Sur” war, resulting in a significant number of gang-related homicides.
Law Enforcement Efforts
Law enforcement agencies at the local, state, and federal levels have made concerted efforts to combat the influence and activities of the Sureño gang. These efforts include targeted investigations, arrests, prosecutions, and collaborations with community organizations to address the root causes of gang involvement.
Community Impact
The presence of the Sureño gang has a profound impact on the communities in which they operate. Residents often live in fear of violence and intimidation, and the gang’s activities contribute to a cycle of poverty and crime in affected areas.
