Crime & Public Safety

Mexican Mafia Members Charged in Drug Smuggling, Violent Assault in LA County Jail

The crimes were allegedly coordinated by mafia associates outside the jail under authority of a member in state prison.
Mexican Mafia Members Charged in Drug Smuggling, Violent Assault in LA County Jail
(Left) Marco Lujan, 47, and (Right) Ariel Pereyra, 28, are fugitives and sought by law enforcement. FBI
Jill McLaughlin
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The Los Angeles County district attorney charged 13 members or associates of the Mexican Mafia prison gang March 14 in connection with drug smuggling and a violent assault in the county’s jail system.

Two defendants were arrested Thursday and one was arrested Friday. Two are still sought by the sheriff’s department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s (FBI) San Gabriel Valley Safe Streets Task Force.

Jill McLaughlin
Jill McLaughlin
Author
Jill McLaughlin is an award-winning journalist covering politics, environment, and statewide issues. She has been a reporter and editor for newspapers in Oregon, Nevada, and New Mexico. Jill was born in Yosemite National Park and enjoys the majestic outdoors, traveling, golfing, and hiking.