Four leaders of the Nuestra Familia prison gang have been sentenced to federal prison terms ranging from 120 to 175 months. The sentences were handed down by U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers following a trial in 2024. The defendants, David Cervantes, James Perez, Guillermo Solorio, and George Franco, were convicted of racketeering conspiracy.
The trial established that the four men held senior positions within the gang’s General Council, which is responsible for decision-making within the organization. Cervantes was identified as one of three “Generals” overseeing governance and discipline within the gang. Perez maintained authority over NF regiments and activities in California prisons as “General of Prisons.” Franco served on the Inner Council and as Regimental Commander of San Joaquin County, while Solorio held similar roles over Monterey County Street Regiment.
U.S. Attorney Craig H. Missakian commented on the case: “The brutal violence and drug trafficking that this criminal enterprise ran from within state prisons touched every county in the Bay Area…the community is now safer as a result.” FBI Special Agent in Charge Sanjay Virmani added: “This case demonstrates the FBI’s unwavering commitment to rooting out organized criminal enterprises.”
These sentences conclude prosecutions against NF leadership in Northern California, with 40 members convicted overall. The prosecution involved multiple agencies including the FBI, DEA, ATF, U.S. Marshal Service, and various local law enforcement bodies.
The investigation was part of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces initiative aimed at dismantling high-level criminal organizations through coordinated efforts across federal and local agencies.
