Federal and local law enforcement agencies have arrested 42 individuals associated with the SFV Peckerwoods, a white supremacist street gang based in San Fernando Valley. The arrests follow a 76-count federal grand jury indictment that accuses the defendants of engaging in racketeering activities, including drug trafficking, illegal firearms possession, and COVID-19-related fraud.
The indictment charges 68 individuals with various federal crimes such as conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) Act, drug distribution, bank fraud, aggravated identity theft, and unlawful firearm possession. Of those charged, 29 were apprehended today and are expected to be arraigned in United States District Court in Los Angeles. Thirteen others were already in custody prior to today's operation.
During the investigation, authorities seized significant quantities of illegal firearms along with fentanyl, methamphetamine, and heroin. "The Peckerwoods’ violent white-supremacist ideology and wide-ranging criminal activity pose a grave menace to our community," stated United States Attorney Martin Estrada.
Attorney General Merrick B. Garland remarked on the impact of these actions: "With today’s charges and arrests, the Justice Department... has targeted the heart of this gang’s operations." He emphasized ongoing efforts to combat criminal enterprises that threaten communities.
Assistant Director Akil Davis from the FBI's Los Angeles Field Office highlighted the collaborative nature of this operation: "This case strikes at the heart of our collective mission to rid our communities of corrosive elements."
Special Agent Matthew Allen from DEA's Los Angeles Field Division noted that despite their ideological motives, members engaged in other crimes driven by greed: "It appears... that the business of hate was not enough for them."
The indictment outlines how gang members used social media for communication about criminal activities and shared information within a private Facebook group. From December 2016 through September 2024, they engaged in violence to expand their operations while trafficking narcotics like fentanyl.
Key figures include Claire Patricia Haviland and Brian Glenn Ekelund who allegedly managed drug stash houses where large amounts of drugs were stored before distribution. They reportedly used digital payment apps for transactions related to their drug trade.
Financial fraud schemes also played a role in generating revenue for the gang. Defendants like Sean Craig Gluckman submitted fraudulent applications for pandemic relief programs such as PPP loans intended for businesses affected by COVID-19 economic fallout.
Los Angeles Police Chief Dominic Choi commented on law enforcement efforts: "Taking guns out of the hands of gang members... is just one more step towards reducing this deterioration."
Ventura County Sheriff Jim Fryhoff acknowledged challenges posed by cross-jurisdictional criminal activities but stressed enhanced protection through collaboration with federal partners.
Quentin Heiden from DOL-OIG reaffirmed commitment against organized crime impacting unemployment systems: "This investigation reinforces our commitment..."
An indictment contains allegations; all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. If convicted under these charges they could face life sentences in federal prison.
Multiple agencies contributed to this operation including FBI; DEA; LAPD; Ventura County Sheriff's Office among others listed below:
Assistant U.S Attorneys Reema M El-Amamy; Jeremiah M Levine; Alexander Su will prosecute this case which forms part OCDETF initiative aimed at dismantling high-level threats using multi-agency approach detailed further online...
Information regarding COVID-19 Fraud Enforcement Task Force available via DOJ website links provided below alongside reporting channels for suspected fraudulent activities related pandemic relief funds
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