Sixteen individuals identified as members and associates of the Puente-13 street gang were arrested in Los Angeles on federal criminal complaints alleging their involvement in crimes that include kidnapping, shootings, illegal firearms sales, and narcotics trafficking. The group is linked to the Mexican Mafia and operates primarily in the San Gabriel Valley.
The arrests targeted defendants accused of distributing methamphetamine, conspiring to commit kidnapping, possessing fentanyl with intent to distribute, possessing a machine gun, and using firearms during drug trafficking offenses. Of the 20 total defendants charged, nine are expected to appear in United States District Court in Los Angeles today, with seven more scheduled for initial appearances tomorrow.
Authorities are still searching for three suspects who remain at large: Larry Castillo (“Lil Dee”) of Victorville; Soo Kang (“Easy”) of Koreatown; and Bryan Gordian-Padilla (“Goon”) of West Covina. Another defendant is currently held in state custody.
During the investigation, law enforcement seized about 10 pounds of methamphetamine, thousands of pills containing fentanyl and carfentanil—a synthetic opioid much stronger than fentanyl—along with 71 firearms (including rifles and a machine-gun conversion device), body armor, ammunition, and nearly $9,500 in cash.
According to affidavits filed with the complaints: “Puente-13 is a street gang based in La Puente that enriches itself and the Mexican Mafia prison gang by controlling the distribution of narcotics within its ‘territory,’ maintaining and expanding that control through violence and threats of violence and punishing those in its territory who cooperate with law enforcement.”
Specific incidents detailed include a December 2022 shooting at a Covina residence where evidence left behind helped link one suspect to the crime. In July 2023, two victims were kidnapped as part of an effort to recover stolen property; one was released while another escaped after being beaten. Another shooting occurred outside a La Puente liquor store in May 2025 when a victim was targeted due to mistaken gang affiliation.
Other alleged crimes involve illegal firearm sales and trafficking significant quantities of drugs such as methamphetamine and potent opioids.
The press release notes: “Complaints contain allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.”
If convicted on all charges, nine defendants could face maximum sentences up to life imprisonment.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives led the investigation alongside several local law enforcement agencies including police departments from Covina, West Covina, Baldwin Park; Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department; California Highway Patrol; among others.
Assistant United States Attorneys Kenneth R. Carbajal and Clifford D. Mpare from the Major Crimes Section are prosecuting this case.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California enforces federal laws through prosecutions across its region—which covers seven counties—and works closely with federal, state, and local partners to promote public safety. The office also supports community outreach programs focused on victim assistance and public education, serving over 19 million residents in Southern California. Its main office is located in Los Angeles with additional offices in Santa Ana and Riverside as described on its official website.
