A federal grand jury has issued a six-count superseding indictment against several individuals accused of racketeering and controlled substance offenses. The defendants, Ronaldo Mudrano Ayala, Angel Anthony Esparza, Ronald Paul Sepulveda, Samuel O. Morales, Allen David Fong, and Alexis Rodriguez, were charged following an investigation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

Acting U.S. Attorney Michele Beckwith announced that the indictment was returned on December 19, 2024, and unsealed after Rodriguez's arrest and arraignment. The accused are alleged members of the Mexican Mafia or La eMe, a criminal organization involved in extortion, arson, drug trafficking, and firearms trafficking.

According to court documents, La eMe was established in Folsom State Prison and expanded its influence within California and federal prison systems. It organizes Sureño street gangs into a larger network and enforces rules through violence or threats against those who disobey orders or pose threats to the organization.

The indictment details how La eMe generated revenue through "La eMe taxes" on illegal activities within their areas of control. These taxes extended to entertainers perceived to profit from La eMe's reputation or affiliations. A partnership with the Sinaloa Cartel allegedly provided protection for incarcerated cartel members in exchange for controlled substances from Mexico.

The defendants reportedly held various roles within this enterprise. Ayala is said to have overseen tax collection efforts across multiple states and maintained agreements with the Sinaloa Cartel. Esparza managed business operations for Ayala inside San Quentin State Prison. Sepulveda acted as an associate outside prison in Riverside County.

Morales and Rodriguez were linked to Sureño gangs in Seattle; they allegedly assisted in extortion plots targeting musicians. Fong was involved in arranging drug transactions from inside California State Prison – Solano.

If convicted, Ayala, Esparza, and Fong face life imprisonment and a $250,000 fine each. Sepulveda, Morales, and Rodriguez could receive up to 20 years in prison along with similar fines. Sentencing will be determined by the court based on statutory factors and Federal Sentencing Guidelines.

This case is part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) Strike Force Initiative aimed at dismantling significant criminal organizations operating in Eastern California.