October 9, 2002
The leader of the Santana Block Crips, a street gang that distributed
large quantities of cocaine that were later sold to narcotics dealers in
middle America, has pleaded guilty to federal charges, eliminating a trial
that was scheduled to begin this week.
DEBRA
W. YANG
United States Attorney
Central District of California
Thom Mrozek, Public Affairs Officer
(213) 894-6947
thom.mrozek@usdoj.gov
COMPTON GANG LEADER PLEADS GUILTY IN FEDERAL CASE
INVOLVING DISTRIBUTION OF COCAINE ACROSS THE U.S.
The guilty plea caps an investigation in which law enforcement
authorities seized more than 40 pounds of cocaine, a quarter million dollars
in cash, several guns and automobiles, including customized, show-quality
low-rider cars.
Frederick Staves, who is believed to be the undisputed leader
of the Santana Block Crips, one of the oldest street gangs in Compton,
pleaded guilty yesterday to federal charges. On the day he was scheduled
to go to trial, Staves pleaded guilty to leading a drug conspiracy. Staves,
39, who is also known as “Gangster,” faces a mandatory minimum sentence
of 20 years and a possible sentence of life in prison without parole.
Three other defendants scheduled to go to trial with Staves also
pleaded guilty yesterday. Lawrence Stackhouse, 30, of Hemet; Ronald Hamilton,
44, of Los Angeles (90059); and Kmond Day, 22, of Paramount, each pleaded
guilty to narcotics charges and face mandatory minimum sentences of 10
years.
In recent weeks, nine members or associates of the Santana Block
Crips pleaded guilty. Those persons, all Compton residents, included four
core members of the gang: Adrian Gipson, 37; his brother, Melvin Gipson,
43; William Thorns, 36; and Earl Walker Jr., 42.
The majority of defendants in this case, including Staves, are
to be sentenced in January 2003 by United States District Judge Stephen
V. Wilson.
As a result of this investigation, 23 defendants have been convicted.
Staves’ wife, who was indicted on money laundering charges, died during
the progress of the case. Two of the defendants remain fugitives.
“Yesterday’s guilty pleas stand as a major achievement and represent
the complete dismantling of the Santana Block Crips’ leadership and criminal
organization,” said Ron Iden, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI.
“I want to congratulate all of the agents, deputies and investigators who
worked so hard and did such a tremendous job bringing this gang to its
knees.”
The arrests are the result of a two-year investigation by the
Compton Violent Inner-City Crime Task Force (CVICC), a collaboration of
the Federal Bureau of Investigation; the Drug Enforcement Administration;
the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department; the United States Marshals Service;
Internal Revenue Service Criminal Investigation; the Office of Inspector
General for Investigations of the United States Department of Housing and
Urban Development, the Immigration and Naturalization Service, and the
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.
"The success of this joint effort is best described by the reduction
of fear
and intimidation that these gang members routinely place upon the community
and citizens of Compton," according to John Fernandes, Associate Special
Agent in Charge of the DEA.