E. Martin Estrada, U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California
A Long Beach resident, Mateo Paul, has admitted to federal charges linked to a 2021 murder during a marijuana transaction in Inglewood. The 22-year-old pleaded guilty to interference with commerce by robbery under the Hobbs Act and brandishing and discharging a firearm in furtherance of a violent crime. Paul has been held since November 2023.
Acting United States Attorney Joseph T. McNally stated, "This defendant’s recklessness led to a victim’s violent death and the prospect of a life sentence in federal prison." He emphasized the effectiveness of collaboration between local and federal law enforcement in addressing violent gun crimes.
Court documents reveal that Paul conspired with Leandrew Raglin and Iysis Elanore Smith, both aged 22, to rob a marijuana dealer. They used social media to lure the dealer into an ambush. On March 15, 2021, Smith engaged with the victim while Paul parked behind their vehicle. Raglin then shot at the victim multiple times from the passenger side before fatally wounding them on the driver's side.
The plea agreement indicates that Raglin's actions were within Paul's criminal plan and could be foreseen as part of their unlawful agreement.
United States District Judge Fernando L. Aenlle-Rocha has set Paul's sentencing for June 27, where he could receive a life sentence in federal prison.
Raglin has denied the charges against him and is scheduled for trial on May 19. Smith's charges are still pending; both face potential life sentences if convicted.
Authorities remind that an indictment is merely an accusation, with defendants presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI alongside the Inglewood Police Department. Prosecutors for this case are Assistant United States Attorneys Chelsea Norell and Gregg E. Marmaro.
