Assistant U. S. Attorney Alessandra P. Serano (619) 546-8104 or Joseph Orabona (619) 546-7951
NEWS RELEASE SUMMARY - Aug. 31, 2017
SAN DIEGO - Seven alleged gang members and associates of the Westside Crips and one hotel manager of two national brand hotels in Oceanside entered guilty pleas in federal court today, admitting to their participation in a racketeering conspiracy involving narcotics trafficking, prostitution of women and other crimes. One other member pleaded guilty to the same charge last week.
Ameer Roby (aka “Tiny Dum Dum"), Michael Sullivan (aka “Du-Low"), Shane Anderson (aka “Tiny Westwood and aka “Tiny West"), Demetrius McFarland (aka “Mechii Ruu"), Richard Cleveland (aka “Face"), Umesh Oza (aka “Kevin"), and Larry Monroe admitted to their respective membership and association with the Westside Crips, who primarily operated in Oceanside and elsewhere. Peter Miranda (aka “Fat Boy," “Baby Rocks," and “Lil’ Burger") pleaded guilty on Aug. 24, 2017 and admitted to his role in the racketeering conspiracy. Sentencing for all defendants is scheduled for Nov. 27, 2017 before District Judge John A. Houston.
According to court documents, the members of the conspiracy were involved in drug trafficking, prostitution, attempted murder, assaults, and robberies. Their criminal activity primarily occurred between 2004 through February 2017. According to court documents, members of Westside Crips are akin to a crime family, where all members work together committing various crimes for the purpose of making money. The indictment alleges that the defendants took on different responsibilities within the criminal enterprise. Some sold narcotics. Others managed prostitutes and transported them all over the country. The hotel manager provided a safe haven for the alleged gang members to conduct their illegal activities.
For that reason, the defendants are charged with racketeering conspiracy-the statute traditionally used for organized-crime syndicates and mobsters. But as members, associates, and facilitators of criminal street gangs such as these, join forces and become more sophisticated and prolific in their illicit business pursuits, this statute is an effective tool to address all aspects of the criminal conduct.
The four remaining defendants involved in the racketeering conspiracy with the Westside Crips criminal street gang are scheduled to appear before U.S. District Judge John A. Houston on Sept. 22, 2017 for a status hearing.
“Gang members and associates and those who assist them continue to plague our community with violence, drugs and other crimes," said Acting U.S. Attorney Alana W. Robinson. “Our office will continue to use any and all resources to combat the problem."
“The members of this violent organization were involved in drug trafficking as well as violent crimes," said DEA San Diego Special Agent in Charge William R. Sherman. “Combining law enforcement resources and getting these violent drug traffickers off the streets is, and will continue to be a DEA priority."
“The Oceanside Police Department would like to thank the U.S. Attorney's Office and other law enforcement agencies for their collaboration and hard work during this operation," said Oceanside Police Chief Frank McCoy. “It is collective efforts like this that highlight why the San Diego Region is a model for other law enforcement agencies to emulate, to keep their communities safe."
“For over a decade, this sophisticated street gang terrorized the streets of Oceanside and the surrounding areas for profit," said IRS Criminal Investigation’s Special Agent in Charge R. Damon Rowe. “Our agency plays a unique role in federal law enforcement’s resolve to dismantle the criminal gang enterprises terrorizing our streets. Our agents target the profit and financial gains of these organizations, following the money in an effort to disrupt these organizations and bring their members to justice."
DEFENDANTS Case Number 17cr0270-JAH
Ameer Roby aka “Tiny Dum" Age: 36 Oceanside, CA
Michael Sullivan aka “Du-Low" Age: 33 Oceanside, CA
Peter Miranda aka “Lil’ Burger" Age: 33 Oceanside, CA
Shane Anderson aka “Tiny West" Age: 25 Oceanside, CA
Demetrius McFarland aka “Mecchi Ruu" Age: 23 Oceanside, CA
Richard Cleveland aka “Face" Age: 37 Oceanside, CA
Larry Monroe Age: 59 Oceanside, CA
Umesh Oza aka “Kevin" Age: 32 Oceanside, CA
SUMMARY OF CHARGES
Title 18, United States Code, Section 1962(d) - Conspiracy to Conduct Enterprise Affairs Through a Pattern of Racketeering Activity; Title 18, United States Code, Section 1963 - Criminal Forfeiture
Maximum Penalties: 20 years’ incarceration, a fine of $250,000, three years of supervised release
As to Defendant Monroe only:
Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a) - Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine
Maximum Penalties: life in prison with a mandatory minimum 10 years’ incarceration, a fine of $10,000,000, five years of supervised release
AGENCIES
North County Narcotics Task Force
Drug Enforcement Administration
Oceanside Police Department
Internal Revenue Service
*The charges and allegations contained in an indictment or complaint are merely accusations, and the defendants are considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
