Golden State Today

California Attorney General Rob Bonta announced the success of Operation Royal Flush, a collaborative effort with various law enforcement agencies to combat violent crime in Kings County. The operation, which started in September 2024, resulted in 77 arrests and the seizure of 32 firearms. It also led to solving three homicides linked to criminal street gangs.

Attorney General Bonta emphasized the importance of collaboration in tackling violent crime across California. “Throughout the state, the California Department of Justice and our allied partners are working together to prevent violent crime carried out by criminal street gangs in our communities,” he stated. He highlighted that joint efforts have resulted in numerous arrests and confiscations of illegal items.

The investigation was prompted by an increase in gang-related violence observed by agents from the Kings County Major Crimes Task Force (KCMCTF) during summer 2023. These crimes were mainly attributed to Norteño gang members operating across different jurisdictions within Kings County. In July 2024, KCMCTF sought assistance from the California Department of Justice’s Special Operations Unit (SOU) for a deeper investigation into these violent incidents.

The investigation yielded enough evidence to arrest and charge 14 individuals for their roles in three homicides that occurred in Avenal, Corcoran, and Kettleman City. Two victims were specifically targeted by the Norteño gang while another victim was killed randomly.

Operation Royal Flush was spearheaded by KCMCTF and SOU, with support from multiple agencies including California's High Impact Investigation Team-Central Valley High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area, California Highway Patrol, Federal Bureau of Investigations, among others.

The California Department of Justice is currently recruiting personnel interested in contributing to public safety efforts statewide. Opportunities can be explored at oag.ca.gov/careers.