A months' long police investigation has led to the arrest of 34 alleged AAPI gang members based in Stockton, Calif.
In June 2020, a multi-law enforcement agency team began a joint investigation in conjunction with the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office into the criminal activities of the Asian Boyz, Muddy Boyz Crips, Lil Ruthless Criminals Comstocc Crips, Loctown Crips, and Asian Crip criminal street gangs in the City of Stockton
The alleged gang members were mostly young adults but included a juvenile and a 70-year old.
Operation Criptonyte, Asian Boyz, Muddy Boyz Crips came about because of an increase in violent crime involving documented members of these allied groups in the City of Stockton between 2018-2020. These groups were working together to benefit their gangs / subsets and the Crips criminal street gang. During the investigation, investigators learned that some alliances have ended, and other gang rivalries started.
San Joaquin County District Attorney Tori Verber-Salazar said, “This is a prime example of how a unified partnership among law enforcement agencies—state, local and federal—working in conjunction with the District Attorney’s Office can ensure public safety. Together, we create a safer and stronger San Joaquin County through solving crimes that have already occurred, disrupting current criminal activity, and preventing future bad acts by those determined to commit them in and against our community.”
Operation Criptonyte, Asian Boyz, Muddy Boyz Crips came about because of an increase in violent crime involving documented members of these allied groups in the City of Stockton between 2018-2020. These groups were working together to benefit their gangs / subsets and the Crips criminal street gang. During the investigation, investigators learned that some alliances have ended, and other gang rivalries started.
Stockton Police Chief Eric Jones said, “This investigation was part of the Stockton Police Department’s on-going group gun violence intervention strategy. The collaborative effort with our law enforcement partners was based on focused enforcement for those groups that continued violence in our community.”
As a result of the investigation, investigators used 55 search warrants that led to the arrests of 34 suspects related to various criminal violations. In all, Investigators recovered 38 firearms, seized approximately $40,000 in U.S. Currency, confiscated approximately 1 lb. of suspected cocaine, 5 lbs. of suspected methamphetamines, approximately 1,300 pills of suspected ecstasy and an abundance of marijuana.
As a result of the investigation, investigators used 55 search warrants that led to the arrests of 34 suspects related to various criminal violations. In all, Investigators recovered 38 firearms, seized approximately $40,000 in U.S. Currency, confiscated approximately 1 lb. of suspected cocaine, 5 lbs. of suspected methamphetamines, approximately 1,300 pills of suspected ecstasy and an abundance of marijuana.
San Joaquin County District Attorney Tori Verber-Salazar said, “This is a prime example of how a unified partnership among law enforcement agencies—state, local and federal—working in conjunction with the District Attorney’s Office can ensure public safety. Together, we create a safer and stronger San Joaquin County through solving crimes that have already occurred, disrupting current criminal activity, and preventing future bad acts by those determined to commit them in and against our community.”
The investigation continues and additional arrests are anticipated.
Last week's arrests included up and coming rapper MBNel, born Jhonel Dongon, who was taken into custody on charges of false compartment activity and possession of a controlled substance.
MBNel is a rising artist out of Stockton whose name has been buzzing as of late. In 2020, he's released three projects including Child of the Trenches, Child of the Trenches 2 and Yellow Tape with Stupid Young.
The investigators highlighted other alleged gang members who were arrested:
1. Lawrence Carolino, 19, Amanda Arcaina, 20, Larissa Constancio-Galvez, 21, and a female who was a juvenile at the time of the incident were arrested for their roles in an April 2020 gang shooting investigation, where one of the victims was struck as a result of the gunfire. Additionally, Carolino was arrested for another gang shooting investigation which occurred in February 2020 and. Arcaina was arrested for Possession for sales of controlled substances.
2. Rayniko Flores 21, Michelle Tahod, 41, and Jerry Flores, 70, were arrested for their roles in EDD Fraud and the Identity Theft of numerous victims. Rayniko was also arrested for his role in the illegal transfer of a firearm, sales of narcotics and gang enhancements.
3. Anthony Comans, 30, and Kwabena Twumasi, 35, of Arizona were both arrested for their roles in the Conspiracy and illegal possession/trafficking of firearms. Comens and Twumasi were both arrested in Morgan Hill, Calif. as they exited their vehicle. During a search of their vehicle, 21 firearms were located.
4. Eric Ypon, 35, and Mark Moeutt, 18, were both arrested for their role in the illegal transfer of a firearm and gang enhancements. Additionally, Mr. Ypon was arrested for firearm possession violations.
5. Soktara Hem, 29, was arrested for the illegal possession of an assault weapon, marijuana sales violations and the illegal transfer of a firearm.
"Nel is currently with his family and doing well," said MBNel's manager, Matt Llewellyn. "He was released on bail earlier this week. His focus remains on his music and upcoming album. He appreciates the love and support from fans. We have no further comments at this time."
MBNel is a rising artist out of Stockton whose name has been buzzing as of late. In 2020, he's released three projects including Child of the Trenches, Child of the Trenches 2 and Yellow Tape with Stupid Young.
Another rapper, TC Low, aka Lawrence Carolino, 19, was included among the arrested even though he was already in the Santa Clara jail for unrelated charges.
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STOCKTON PD Weapons confiscated as a result of the Stockton arrests. |
1. Lawrence Carolino, 19, Amanda Arcaina, 20, Larissa Constancio-Galvez, 21, and a female who was a juvenile at the time of the incident were arrested for their roles in an April 2020 gang shooting investigation, where one of the victims was struck as a result of the gunfire. Additionally, Carolino was arrested for another gang shooting investigation which occurred in February 2020 and. Arcaina was arrested for Possession for sales of controlled substances.
2. Rayniko Flores 21, Michelle Tahod, 41, and Jerry Flores, 70, were arrested for their roles in EDD Fraud and the Identity Theft of numerous victims. Rayniko was also arrested for his role in the illegal transfer of a firearm, sales of narcotics and gang enhancements.
3. Anthony Comans, 30, and Kwabena Twumasi, 35, of Arizona were both arrested for their roles in the Conspiracy and illegal possession/trafficking of firearms. Comens and Twumasi were both arrested in Morgan Hill, Calif. as they exited their vehicle. During a search of their vehicle, 21 firearms were located.
4. Eric Ypon, 35, and Mark Moeutt, 18, were both arrested for their role in the illegal transfer of a firearm and gang enhancements. Additionally, Mr. Ypon was arrested for firearm possession violations.
5. Soktara Hem, 29, was arrested for the illegal possession of an assault weapon, marijuana sales violations and the illegal transfer of a firearm.
6. Joseph Nguyen, 30, and Andy Sybounheuang, 29, were arrested for assault weapon violations and the sales of controlled substances. Mr. Nguyen was additionally arrested gang enhancements.
7. Kevin Chhin, 24, of Long Beach, Ca was arrested for the sales of narcotics, felon in possession of a firearm and gang enhancement violations.
“Families in Stockton can breathe a little easier tonight,” said California Attorney General Xavier Becerra. “This investigation and resulting arrests and seizures are an example of what happens when California law enforcement agencies work together to combat violent crime in our communities."
7. Kevin Chhin, 24, of Long Beach, Ca was arrested for the sales of narcotics, felon in possession of a firearm and gang enhancement violations.
“Families in Stockton can breathe a little easier tonight,” said California Attorney General Xavier Becerra. “This investigation and resulting arrests and seizures are an example of what happens when California law enforcement agencies work together to combat violent crime in our communities."
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