Golden State Today

California Attorney General Rob Bonta, in collaboration with federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, announced the arrests of 32 suspects and the seizure of 57 illegal weapons and illicit drugs. This was part of a multiagency operation targeting an organized criminal group in Fresno County. The operation, known as "Gridlock," began in October 2023 and targeted criminal street gangs believed to be responsible for an increase in violence, including homicides, human trafficking, and illegal firearms in the Fresno area.

The investigation was led by the Fresno County Multi-Agency Gang Enforcement Consortium (MAGEC) task force. It collaborated with several agencies including the Fresno Police Department, Fresno County Sheriff’s Office, California Department of Justice’s High Impact Investigation Team (HIIT), California Highway Patrol, Clovis Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Fresno County District Attorney’s Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Homeland Security Investigations.

“Violence in our communities will not be tolerated; the California Department of Justice is zeroed-in on our mission of ensuring safe communities,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Today’s announcement stems from the strong collaboration among law enforcement agencies in Fresno and across our state."

Fresno Police Chief Paco Balderrama stated that Operation Gridlock was one of the largest investigative operations initiated by his department. It began with several gang shootings that occurred in Fall 2023 and resulted in a cooperative investigation involving ten local, state and federal law enforcement partners.

Tatum King from Homeland Security Investigations highlighted the danger posed by these criminal organizations to both community members and law enforcement due to their indiscriminate harm infliction. FBI Sacramento Special Agent Sid Patel emphasized how collaborative investigations can dismantle violent gangs and restore peace within communities.

U.S. Attorney Phillip A. Talbert commended the teamwork between federal, state, and local law enforcement partners reflected in this operation. He stressed their shared commitment to keeping communities safe from violent crime.

The operation resulted in the seizure of 57 firearms, including ghost guns, AR-style rifles and semi-automatic handguns; extended magazines, ammunition, body armor, illicit drugs including methamphetamine, and approximately $30,000 in currency. The Fresno County District Attorney’s Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California will be prosecuting the case. The suspects face charges ranging from homicide to auto theft.

The High Impact Investigation Team (HIIT) is a California Department of Justice-led multiagency task force funded through the national High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) program. It works collaboratively to combat drug trafficking organizations, violent career criminals and gangs using advanced investigative techniques and technology.

It is important to note that a criminal complaint contains charges that are only allegations against a person. Every defendant is presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty.